Fruit & Nut Bars

1 cup pitted dates (I used tunisian deglet noor)
1 cup water
3/4 cup oat flour (I just measured quick oats by weight and put them through the blender to make this)
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (I used Eden Organics dry roasted, but raw is recommended)
1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1 serving whole foods vanilla soy protein powder
1/8 cup bob's red mill unsweetened flaked coconut

I used Market Pantry dried cranberries without looking and found they have added sugar. Try to find some without to make this even healthier.

1. Soak dates in water for 30 mins. Prehead oven to 325 F.
2. Put dates and 1 cup water in a blender. Blend on high until smooth.
3. Combine date mixture with oat flour and other ingredients in large bowl. Stir well.
4. Line a 9-inch square pan with aluminum foil. Spray lightly with canola oil.
5. Pour the mixture into the pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle coconut on top and press it in.
6. Bake at 325 F for about 25 mins. or until firm. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 mins. Slice into bar-size pieces.
7. Put each bar in a snack bag and store in the fridge, they are tasty in the freezer as well.

Serving Size: Makes 8 bars.