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Sesame and Oat Bars with Dates and Dried Apricots
In the U.K., oat bars such as these are known as “flapjacks.” They’re sturdy, chewy-crisp and unapologetically rich. We love the earthy, nutty, pleasantly resinous flavor of sesame and incorporate the ingredient two ways: toasted seeds dot the oat mixture while tahini helps hold the bars together. Lyle’s Golden Syrup, an amber-hued sweetener common in the U.K., imparts nuances of butterscotch and caramel, but if it is difficult to source, honey works nicely, though it adds floral notes. We also toss in dates and dried apricots for a satisfying chew; the latter also offers tartness to balance the bars’ sweetness. Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the bars keep well for up to five days.
Makes
16 bars
Don’t use quick-cooking or instant oats in this recipe. These have a finer texture than old-fashioned oats and absorb moisture differently; bars made with them will be too soft and lack chewiness. After baking, make sure the oat slab has cooled completely before cutting it into bars. If it’s at all warm, it may not hold together as you cut.
1 hour
20 minutes active, plus cooling
Ingredients
-
37
grams (¼ cup) whole almonds, chopped
-
20
grams (2 tablespoons) sesame seeds
Directions
-
01Heat the oven to 325°F with a rack in the middle position. In a medium saucepan over medium, toast the almonds and sesame seeds, stirring, until golden brown and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and cool; reserve the saucepan.