Nut Granola Bars

These easy-to-make bars are nutritious and dispense with the need to purchase granola bars. Apricots, walnuts and pine nuts are a tasty combination and create a pleasing texture. If desired, you can omit the nuts or substitute sunflower seeds.

Makes: 24 squares or 12 bars. 250 mL (1 cup) finely chopped dried apricots 175 mL (3/4 cup) coarsely chopped walnuts 175 mL (3/4 cup) pine nuts 175 mL (3/4 cup) quinoa or millet puffs 175 mL (3/4 cup) quick oats 125 mL (1/2 cup) unsweetened finely grated coconut 50 mL (1/4 cup) chia seeds 125 mL (1/2 cup) liquid honey 5 mL (1 tsp) pure vanilla extract 125 mL (1/2 cup) white chocolate chips

Lightly grease a 2.5-L (9-in.) square baking dish or pan. Line bottom and sides with one piece of parchment, big enough so that it can fold over itself to completely cover top of pan, and grease parchment or lightly spray with cooking oil.

In a large bowl, place dried apricots, walnuts, pine nuts, puffs, oats, coconut and chia; set aside.

In a small saucepan, bring honey to a simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour over puff mixture and stir until completely covered.

Press mixture firmly and evenly into pan, folding in side pieces of parchment to cover mixture and keep your hands clean. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave oven (15-second intervals with stirring in between) until smooth. Place chocolate in a small resealable plastic bag, then cut 5 mm (1/4 in.) from one corner and pipe chocolate over top of the granola mix.

Cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator to set for at least 1 hour.

Cut into 12 bars or 24 squares.