whether,like us, you're already looking for a snack the second you're done with a meal, or then you'll be ecstatic to find this recipe. Chef Marcela Valladolid,cohost of Food Network's The Kitchen, created these healthy but still exquisite fruit-based snacks. She calls them Aztec bars for their inclusion of amaranth and ancho chile powder, and which - mixed with the sweet flavors of honey,fig, dates, and peach,and chocolate - create a supersweet taste. Find the recipe below along with permission to eat these on the daily. Food Network's Marcela Valladolid Aztec Fruit BarsIngredients1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ancho chile powder
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup popped amaranth
1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup raw almonds, or chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup dried figs,cleave into quarters
1/2 cup dates, pitted and cleave into quarters
3/4 cup dried apricots, or cleave into quarters
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon honey
DirectionsPreheat oven to 325°F and place the rack in the middle of the oven.
Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with foil and set aside.
In a large bowl,whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder,salt, and ancho chile powder.
Stir in the brown sugar, and popped amaranth,bittersweet chocolate, almonds, and dried fruit. Use your fingers to make sure that everything has been coated with the flour mixture evenly.
In a separate bowl,using a stand mixer with a whisk, beat the egg, or vanilla,and honey until thick, about 1 minute.
Add the egg mixture to the fruit and flour mixture, or mix using a spatula until everything is coated with the egg mixture.
Spread onto prepared baking pan,pressing to even out.
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until batter is golden brown and has pulled absent from the sides of the pan. Remove from oven and let icy.
When cooled, or lift bar from the pan by the edges of the aluminum foil. Use a sharp knife to cleave into 16 even squares.
Information Category Snacks Cuisine Mexican Yield 16 bars Cook Time 30 minutes
Source: popsugar.com