Ingredients
1cuppecan pieces
⅓cuppepitas
⅔cupdried cranberries
1¾cupsquick-cooking oatsor old-fashioned oats, pulsed briefly in a food processor or blender to break them up
1tsporange zestpreferably organic, from 1 large orange
½tspground cinnamon
¾tspsaltto taste, decrease if your almond/peanut butter is salted
1cupalmond buttercreamy unsalted, or peanut butter, packed
½cuphoneyor maple syrup
1½tspsvanilla extract
Preparation
Line a 9-inch square baker with two strips of criss-crossed parchment paper, cut to fit neatly against the base and up the sides. The parchment paper will make it easy for you to slice the bars later.
In a medium skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans and pepitas, stirring often, until they are fragrant and the pepitas are starting to make little popping noises, about 5 minutes.
Transfer the toasted pecans and pepitas to a food processor. Add the cranberries and then run the machine for about 10 seconds, until the nuts and cranberries are all broken up.
In a mixing bowl, combine the contents of the food processor with the oats, orange zest, cinnamon and salt. Whisk to combine.
In a smaller mixing bowl, whisk together the almond butter, honey and vanilla extract until well blended.
Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a big spoon to mix them together until the two are evenly combined and no dry oats remain.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared square baker. Use your spoon to arrange the mixture fairly evenly in the baker, then use the bottom of a flat, round surface (like a short, sturdy drinking glass), covered in a small piece of parchment paper, to pack the mixture down as firmly and evenly as possible.
Cover the baker and refrigerate for at least one hour, or overnight, to allow the oats to soak up some of the moisture so they aren’t sticky.
When you’re ready to slice, lift the bars out of the baker by grabbing both pieces of parchment paper on opposite corners. Use a sharp knife to slice the bars into 1” strips, then slice them in half through the middle.
For portability, you can wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Bars keep well for a couple of days at room temperature, or store individually wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag in the freezer for best flavor.
