fruit bars

I’m slightly obsessive about food – borderline eating disorder type, I usually skip breakfast, regularly skip lunch – but will enjoy a nice dinner. Sweets, treats and all round junk food I will eat every now and again, but I am more likely to eat something savoury than sweet. These bars are lovely because they are packed full of fruit, which makes you feel good! Well not so guilty anyway!

Fruit Bars

1/3 cup golden raisins

1/3 cup dark raisins

1/3 cup  dried cranberries

1/3 cup dried apricots, snipped

1/3 cup water or brandy

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup light brown sugar

1/3 cup  butter

2 eggs

1 cup light brown sugar

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp vanilla extract

icing sugar

1. In a saucepan mix together the brandy and all the dried fruit. Bring to a boil,  then remove the pan from the heat and let stand for 20 minutes, when it has cooled drain the brandy from the fruit.

2. Preheat oven to 350°F (180˚C). In a medium bowl stir together the all-purpose flour and 1/3 brown sugar. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles bread crumbs. Press the crumb mixture into an ungreased 8 inch baking pan. Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden.

3. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl beat eggs, with an electric mixer on low speed for 2 minutes. Stir in the 1 cup brown sugar, the 1/3 cup flour and vanilla until well combined. Stir in the fruit, and then pour the mixture over the baked crust spreading it out evenly.

4. Bake for about 40 minutes or until wooden toothpick comes out clean. AFTER 30 MINUTES cover with foil for the last 10 minutes to prevent it from over browning, cool on a wire rack. Once cooled cut it into bars and sprinkle with icing sugar.