Apricot Pistachio Energy Bars

I met a friend of mine the other day for a walk in the woods.  Its a beautiful nature trail located here in Rochester.  I am so glad we decided to go for a walk instead of shopping which was the original plan.  It was beautiful place and being in the company of a friend and laughing as my daughter discovered some new things, it was a true delight.

Apricot Pistachio Energy Bars
based on this recipe from Better Homes and Gardens.

1/2 cup unbleached all purpose flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter melted
3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 teaspoon cardamom
3/4 cup flaked coconut
1 cup chopped pistachio nuts (Iused the salted variety)
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup dried apricots, cut into bits

Preheat oven to 350 F.  Line a 8x8 with foil or parchment.  Spray with cooking spray.

In a medium bowl comine flour, oats and brown sugar.  Stir in melted butter.  Once it comes together, press 3/4 of the mixture into the bottom of the pan. Set aside.

In a small saucepan over medium heat combine condensed milk and saffron.  Bring to a boil.  Be careful not to brown it.  Meanwhile in a bowl combine apricots, pistachios, coconut, and dates.  Pour hot condensed milk into the mixture.  Spoon over the oat layer in the baking pan.  Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over top.  Bake for about 30 minutes.  Cool completely and cut into squares or bars.

*These were very delicious.  A really nice treat for a hike. I bet using browned butter would make them even tastier.

A little hike at Corbett's Glen