Pistachio, Dark Chocolate & Apricot Energy Bars

 Serves Makes 16
Ready in 50 minutes 
Calories 164 kcals per serving 

Ingredients 

• olive oil, for greasing
• 75 g shelled pistachios
• 100 g mixed seeds
• 250 g rolled oats
• 8 Medjool dates
• 100 g dried apricots
• 50 g quality dark chocolate (70%)
• 100 ml maple syrup
• 4 tablespoons smooth almond butter

Method 

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4. Grease and line a 20cm x 20cm square baking tin.
2. Chop the pistachios, then scatter over a baking sheet with the mixed seeds and oats, and roast for 20 minutes, or until golden and toasted, turning occasionally.
3. Meanwhile, destone and roughly tear the dates, and roughly chop the apricots and chocolate.
4. Place the maple syrup, almond butter, dates and 150ml of water in a small saucepan over a low heat. Gently heat for 10 minutes, mashing the dates with the back of your spoon, until you have a sticky sauce.
5. Tip the oats, seeds and pistachios into a large bowl along with the apricots and pour over the maple syrup mixture. Coat everything in the sticky sauce before gently folding through the dark chocolate.
6. Pour the mixture into the baking tin, using a back of a spoon to press into an even layer.
7. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden, then cut into portions.