Fruit and Nut Chocolate Fingers

This recipe was taken from Joanna Farrow’s book – Chocolate which has by far been one of the best gifts received till date!Its an absolutely awesome combination of nutrition plus sweeter plus wholesome chocolate which results in the best tasting finger bars so far!Pack some bars into the kids’ lunch boxes for quick energy,enjoy as a snack after a workout with a glass of milk or grab one when a mood swing is on the rise!I guarantee you – One bite and its heaven all the way!

Preparation time : 45 minutes – 1 hour

Makes : 20 bars/fingers

INGREDIENTS

250 gms unsalted butter

250 gms powdered sugar

175 gms golden syrup/honey/corn syrup

150 gms dried apricots

75 gms mixed nuts – almonds,cashews and walnuts

50 gms sunflower seeds

1/3 cup golden raisins

3 tbsp dried cranberries (optional)

50 gms melon seeds (charmagaz)

175 gms milk chocolate – chopped coarsely

50 gms white chocolate – chopped coarsely

400 gms Oats – instant/steel cut/porridge

2 tsp Vanilla essence

METHOD

Prepare as in grease a baking tray/swiss roll pan with high sides as the liquid tends to drip while baking!Preheat oven to 180°C.

Put the butter in a saucepan and let it melt slowly.Add the sugar and syrup and let it come to a gentle boil.Take off and cool for 5 minutes.Add vanilla essence and mix well.

Take a large bowl and add the oats,nuts seeds and dry fruits in it.Add the prepared liquid and mix well till the syrup coats all ingredients.

Pack the mixture into the prepared and greased pan and level the top.Bake for 30 minutes till golden brown on top.

Take out from the oven and mark into fingers with a knife.Cool to room temperature and break off the fingers.Store in an airtight container.

NOTE :

• Use whatever dry fruits and nuts you have.Pecans,chestnuts and hazelnuts can also be added.
• Substitute golden syrup for corn syrup,rice syrup,maple syrup or honey.