Cranberry Bar

And after the tandoori potatoes, one of course needs something sweet for dessert. Again, this is something on the healthier side - which does not take away anything from its taste.

Cranberries are something which are very very healthy and let themselves be combined at will with any number of spices - the result is almost always good. Of course, fresh cranberries are not always easy to get - but the dried or frozen option is almost as good.

The nomenclature "Cranberry Bar" is probably somewhat of an understatement and slightly misleading, as it contains tons of other ingredients - but a Cranberry-Oats-Cinnamon-Nutmeg-Cardamom-Cloves-Hazelnut-Almonds-bar is probably a bit of a stretch on the tongue and the title bar.

Ingredients 

4 tbsp - oat flakes

4 tbsp heaped - whole wheat flour

3 tbsp - golden syrup (you may use increase the amount)

5 tbsp - apple sauce

3 tbsp - sunflower oil

3 tbsp - low fat milk

2 tbsp - hazelnuts, finely crushed

2 tbsp - almonds, finely crushed

2 tbsp - dried cranberries

1/4 tsp - bicarbonate of soda

1/2 tsp - cinnamon powder, clove powder, cardamom powder

a generous pinch of nutmeg powder

a little orange rind

a little granulated or coarse brown sugar to sprinkle on the dough 

Method 

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degree C and grease a rectangular tray.
2. In a bowl, mix together the golden syrup, apple sauce, oil and milk.
3. Whisk together the rest of the ingredients (except the brown sugar) in an another bowl.
4. Add the liquid mixture to the flour mixture and mix lightly. Do not overmix. 
5. Spread the mixture on the greased tray and sprinkle a little brown sugar over it.
6. Bake for approx 14-15 minutes. Allow to rest in the oven for a couple of minutes then, let it cool in the tray .
7. When cool, cut into squares.

Makes - 12 small pieces

These cranberry bars were an absolute hit with my husband and my friends.

Wanna have a bite ? :) 

Wishing you all a Happy 2010!