Sunday, February 26, 2017

Pecan pie squares

I am surprised to see that nearly a week has passed since my last post. Alas, our household has been ill again this week and it seems that illness affects one's sense of time. We have had a poor winter when it comes to bugs. I had hoped that child-related illnesses would be held at bay until Mini Bite was a bit older, but I suspect our baby groups and activities are a hotbed for germs. Hopefully all of this exposure will be good for our immune systems in the long run!


Fortunately, these pecan pie squares are easy to whip up even if you aren't feeling entirely well. I actually planned to title them 'fruity pecan squares' as it seemed unlikely they would actually taste of pecan pie - and yet, somehow, they do. With a simple, whole food ingredient list they make for excellent snacking.

The topping for these is made from mixed dried fruit - the type that comes with multiple fruit varieties in the one bag. Mine had roughly equal parts of dried pears, dried apricots and prunes. I imagine different mixes would work just as well, with associated variations in flavour profile..



The only small downside to these is that after a few days stored in the fridge (and I think they do need to go in the fridge), the base softens and loses its initial biscuit-y texture. However, the squares still taste delicious and if the change in texture bothers you, take it as an excuse to eat these quickly!

Pecan pie squares
A delicious, whole food, no bake twist on pecan pie
Makes 12 squares
Vegan

Food processor required

Author: Bite-sized thoughts


Ingredients
For the base
1 cup pecan nuts
1/3 cup rolled oats
2/3 cup dates

For the topping
1 cup mixed dried fruit (approximately equal parts dried pears, dried apricots and dried prunes)
1 tsp mixed spice (pumpkin pie spice), or 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp each of nutmeg and cloves

Method
Line a loaf tin or small square tin with non-stick paper and set aside.

Combine the base ingredients in your food processor and process until crumbly and starting to stick together. Transfer to your prepared tin and press down firmly.

Combine the topping ingredients in your food processor and process until smooth but thick. Spoon over the base and distribute evenly across the tin.

Chill in the refrigerator for 4 or so hours before cutting into squares.



Submitted to Healthy Vegan Fridays.

How has your week been?

12 comments:

  1. Pecans are a luxury nut in my home, so these would be lovely to make for an occasion. Hope everyone in your home is of much better health now. I thought we would have more of a winter to kill the bugs, but the wintery weather is teasing us...still time for proper snow! I don't really want it, but i think its the only way some of those horrid slugs in my garden will go away, i want to get back into gardening and its a battle out there :)

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    Replies
    1. Snow to beat slugs is a benefit at least, although I feel for you with your weather still being so cold! Ours has been almost spring-like.

      I think of pecans as a luxury nut too, but Lidl sells them for a similar unit price to other nuts, so if you have a store near you they are good to stock up :-)

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  2. Sorry to hear that you have been unwell. These pecan pie bites look delicious and will hopefully cheer you all up.

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  3. Pecan pie in no bake form, genius! Sorry you've been poorly. Children seem to be constant germ sharers - I feel like my two rotate bugs between them. I too tell myself it can only be doing good things for immunity!

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    Replies
    1. It helps to tell oneself that even if it isn't true!!

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  4. oh dear that is a shame that winter has kept you laid low - the pecan square sound interesting - I am curious about how the mixed fruit tastes like pecan pie and even have some pecans but just am lacking the time and energy needed for making many slices lately :-(

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    Replies
    1. At least this one doesn't need much time or energy, if you find yourself with a small amount of either :-) I hope you get some of both back soon.

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  5. These look so tasty! Love that you don't have to bake them! I don't use pecans enough but I love them. :)

    I hope everyone is feeling better soon!

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  6. These bars sound great! I'm looking for more treats to make at home so I get out of the habit of buying store bought ones. And anything with pecans! Yum =)
    I hope you are feeling better!
    Thank you for sharing at Healthy Vegan Fridays - I'm pinning & sharing. Hope you're having a great week.

    ReplyDelete

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