Fruit and Nut Squares
As seen in my article on @YorkRegion and my Metroland / Torstar Column: RENATA’S TABLE: Fruit-and-nut squares make perfect addition to your festive menu
Fruit and Nut Squares are a perfect addition to your holiday treat offerings as they are a festive fare that doesn’t contain chocolate, and have a delicious light spicy flavour reminiscent of a fruit cake. Even those who don’t fancy traditional fruit cake will like these chewy bites of goodness filled with a combination of dates and cranberries, nuts of your choice and a few extra ingredients to give it a little brightness and crunch. Fruit and Nut Squares are a no-bake square and quick to make. Wholesome and wonderful, they will become a holiday tradition in your home as they are now in ours!
Dates are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-fungal, a source of protein, fibre and contain no fat. They contain a natural sugar and are a wonderful lower glycemic index sweetener. Dates contain B vitamins, vitamin K, iron, potassium, zinc, calcium, magnesium and manganese, supporting digestive health, brain health and heart health.
Cranberries are a powerhouse of antioxidants, they are anti-inflammatory and a source of vitamin C and vitamin E. They contain compounds which support digestion and heart, dental and urinary tract health.
Almonds contain the highest amounts of plant-based calcium of all nuts. They are high in fibre, vitamin E and magnesium. Almonds help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease, and can help protect against diabetes.
Hazelnuts, also known as filberts, are rich in unsaturated fats, high in magnesium, calcium and vitamins B and E. Hazelnuts are good for your heart, help reduce the risk of cancer, and support muscle, skin, bone, joint and digestive health.
As always, when you make this recipe, I would love to see your creation so please post a photo of your Fruit and Nut Squares goodness and tag my IG account #RenataCollective or leave a comment with your thoughts.
Prep Time: 10 minutes / Makes: 16 generous sized squares or cut to your desired size
Ingredients
1 Cup of Pitted Dates
2/3 Cup Dried Cranberries – known as Craisins
1¼ Cup Nuts – I use ½ cup almonds, ½ cup pecans, ¼ cup hazelnuts
2 Tablespoons Lemon Zest
2 Tablespoons Hemp Hearts – optional but so good
2 Tablespoons Pumpkin Seeds
2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
½ teaspoon Ground Cloves
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
A pinch of Sea Salt – optional
½ Cup Toasted or Plain Sliced Almonds – optional to sprinkle on top. Alternate: another nut you used, roughly chopped
How It’s Made
Prep an 8” x 8” pan by lining it with parchment paper.
Soften the dates and craisins - soak the dates and craisins in very hot water for 15 minutes or in a microwave safe bowl or measuring cup, cover the dates and craisins with water and microwave for 90 seconds. Drain.
Add the dates and craisins to your food processor and whirl until broken down and starting to become smooth.
Add the nuts, lemon zest and the remaining ingredients and whirl again until your desired smoothness. The mixture is sticky so you may need to stop your food processor and scrap down the sides and whirl again.
Test the mixture for doneness by pinching some between your fingers. It should stick together.
Press the mixture firmly into your pan, pressing into the corners.
Top with the nuts, if you are including them, pressing them gently into the mixture so they stick.
Place the pan in the fridge for a couple of hours to set and firm up.
When ready to cut into squares, remove the squares from the pan by lifting the parchment out. Cut into 16 generous sized squares or 20 smaller squares or cut into triangles is pretty too.
Store the squares in an airtight container in your fridge. These will last at least three weeks so they can be made ahead as part of your holiday prep!
Enjoy!
