Chewy Chocolate Squares with Dried Fruit and Nuts

Vegetarian Times Issue: November 1, 2009 p.56

These dense treats showcase how nicely chocolate, dried fruit, and nuts pair with wines (and one another).

ingredient list

Makes 36 squares

• 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 1/2 cup shelled toasted pistachios, chopped
• 8 dates, pitted and coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/2 cup chopped dried figs
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup fine whole-wheat breadcrumbs
• 2 Tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp. grated orange zest, dried
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. grated nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. ground allspice
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 3/4 cup agave nectar
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 Tbs. vegetable oil

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F. Coat 9-inch-square pan with cooking spray, and line with parchment paper. Spray again.

2. Combine almonds, pistachios, dates, apricots, figs, cherries, flour, breadcrumbs, cocoa, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt in bowl.

3. Bring agave nectar and sugar to a boil in saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 10 minutes. Stir oil, then agave nectar mixture into fruit-and-nut mixture. Transfer to prepared pan, and smooth top. Bake 50 minutes, or until mixture is done on sides but still soft in center—it will firm up completely once it cools. Cool, then cover with foil, and let rest overnight. Unmold, remove parchment, and cut into squares.

Nutritional Information

Per :

Calories	98
Protein	1g
Total Fat	2g
Saturated Fat	1g
Carbs	20g
Choelsterol	0mg
Sodium	9mg
Fiber	2g
Sugar	16g