Fruity Nut Bars
- ½ cup finely chopped dried apricots
- ½ cup mixed dried fruit
- ½ cup currants
- ¼ cup unblanched whole almonds
- 1 tspn ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup golden syrup
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/3 cup boiling water
- ½ cup sultanas
- 1 cup whole Brazil nuts
- 1 cup white self-raising flour
- 1 tblspn finely grated orange rind
- ¼ cup orange juice
Brush 2, 8 x 26cm bar pans with melted butter or oil. Line the base and sides with greaseproof paper, then grease the paper. Place apricots in a small bowl, pour over boiling water, and leave to stand, covered, for 20 minutes or until almost all the liquid is absorbed and apricots are plump. Do not drain.
Combine undrained apricots, fruits and nuts in a large mixing bowl. Add sifted flour, spice and rind. Stir until combined.
Make a well in the centre and add syrup, juice and eggs. Mix well. Spoon the mixture into prepared pans, smoothing the surface with the back of a spoon or knife.
Bake at 180degC for 20 minutes or until golden and a skewer inserted comes out clean. Leave to stand for 5 minutes before turning out onto a rack to cool.
Makes 2 bars