These Nut and Cranberry Bars are a delightful combination of crunchy nuts and sweet-tart cranberries, bound together with honey and sugar for a perfect snack or dessert. The use of almonds and walnuts adds a rich, nutty flavor, while the cranberries provide a pleasant contrast with their tangy sweetness. This recipe is simple yet yields a treat that’s satisfying and versatile, ideal for both special occasions and everyday indulgence.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 100g almonds
• 75g walnuts
• 75g cranberries
• 125g sugar
• 125g honey
• 1 egg white

Directions

1. Prepare the Nuts and Cranberries:
   • Begin by toasting the almonds and walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning, and toast until they become fragrant and lightly golden, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Set them aside to cool.
   • Once cooled, roughly chop the nuts and place them in a large mixing bowl.
   • Add the cranberries to the bowl and mix everything together to ensure even distribution.
2. Cook the Sugar and Honey:
   • In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and honey. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble. Let it cook for a few more minutes until it thickens into a syrupy consistency.
3. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg white until it becomes frothy.
   • Pour the hot sugar and honey mixture over the nuts and cranberries, then quickly stir in the whisked egg white. Mix thoroughly to coat all the ingredients.
4. Shape and Cool:
   • Pour the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a spatula or your hands (be careful, as the mixture will be hot) to press it into an even layer, about 1 cm thick.
   • Allow the mixture to cool completely at room temperature, giving it time to set and firm up.
5. Cut and Serve:
   • Once the mixture is completely cool and firm, use a sharp knife to cut it into small squares or bars.
   • Enjoy your sweet and crunchy Nut and Cranberry Bars as a snack or dessert.

Tips

• Choosing Nuts: Feel free to substitute or add other nuts like hazelnuts, pecans, or cashews. Each type of nut will add a unique flavor and texture to your bars.
• Toasting Nuts: Toasting the nuts is optional but highly recommended as it enhances their natural flavors and adds a deeper, richer taste to the bars.
• Cranberry Substitutes: If cranberries aren’t your favorite, you can use other dried fruits like cherries, raisins, or apricots. Just be sure to chop them into smaller pieces if they’re large.
• Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bar, you can reduce the amount of sugar or honey slightly, but be mindful that this may affect the binding of the ingredients.
• Cutting Bars: For a cleaner cut, use a sharp knife and run it under hot water before slicing through the mixture. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for a professional finish.

Possible Questions

• Can I make these bars vegan?
  Yes, you can substitute the egg white with a flaxseed or chia seed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to bind the mixture.
• What’s the best way to store these bars?
  Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them or freeze them for up to 3 months.
• Can I add chocolate?
  Absolutely! You can drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the bars after they’ve cooled and set for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. To prevent sticking, layer them with parchment paper.
• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This can help maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming too soft.
• Freezing: For long-term storage, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 12g (including 2g saturated fat)
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 18g
• Vitamin E: 15% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Magnesium: 10% of DV
• Iron: 6% of DV

Conclusion

These Nut and Cranberry Bars are a delicious, nutritious treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a sweet gift, or a treat to share with friends and family, these bars are sure to please. The combination of crunchy nuts, chewy cranberries, and sweet honey makes them irresistible, and with the option to customize the ingredients to your liking, they’re a versatile recipe that you’ll return to again and again. Enjoy the perfect balance of flavor and texture in every bite!