Healthy Recipes: Apricot-Walnut Cereal Bars
Healthy Eating - Crisp and chewy, this bar is a good-for-you alternative to store-bought cereal bars. The secret ingredient, silken tofu, will give your day a protein-packed start. The recipe also works with other fruit-and-nut combinations. Yield: 16 servings Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling time) Prep Time: 30 minutes To Make Ahead: Individually wrap in plastic and keep at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature or remove plastic, wrap in a paper towel and defrost according to your microwave's directions. Recipe Ingredients: 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (about 2 ounces) 3 cups unsweetened puffed-grain cereal, such as Kashi 2 cups chopped dried apricots 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 12 ounces silken tofu, drained (about 1 1/3 cups) 1 large egg 1/2 cup canola oil 1 cup honey 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest Recipe Steps: Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a large (15 1/4-by-10 1/4-inch) jellyroll-style pan with cooking spray. Spread oats and walnuts on a baking sheet with sides. Bake until fragrant and light golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and add puffed cereal, dried apricots, flour and salt; stir to combine. Meanwhile, puree tofu, egg, oil, honey, vanilla and lemon zest in a food processor ...
