Pistachio Power Bars

A sweet treat that mixes nutty pistachio with delicious dried fruit, for a dessert that won't weigh you down on a summer day.

Ingredients

COOKIE CRUST:

¾ cup pistachios, finely chopped

2½ cups whole wheat flour

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

1 cup butter or margarine, softened

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

FRUIT-NUT LAYER:

3 tablespoons butter or margarine

3 tablespoons brown sugar, firmly packed

6 tablespoons flour

6 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate

1 cup dark seedless raisins

1 cup dried apricot halves, slivered

1 cup pistachios, whole

Combine sugar, butter and vanilla; beat well. Mix in flour, oats and chopped pistachios until crumbly and moist. Lightly press into bottom of 10 x 15" pan. Bake at 350°F for 13 minutes.
For fruit layer, beat butter with sugar. Mix in flour and orange juice concentrate, then fruit and pistachios. Spread fruit layer on crust, distributing evenly to edges. Return to oven to bake 15 minutes longer, or until crust looks golden at edges and fruit is glossy. Cool and then cut into 15 square bars. Bars may be wrapped individually and frozen until ready to use.

Based on 15 servings.

Per serving: