Rainforest Bars

One 9x12 in. pan

Kate

ingredients

1
To roast almonds:
2
Preheat oven to 350.
3
Place almonds in a small baking pan and bake for 5-7 min. or until golden, stirring frequently.
4
To make bars:
5
Preheat oven to 375.
6
Coarsely chop the almonds and set aside.
7
In a large bowl, cream the butter and Sucanat with an electric mixer at medium speed until fluffy.
8
In a small bowl, mix together both flours.
9
Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat well at low speed.
10
Pat the mixture into a well-oiled 9x12 in. baking pan, covering the pan completely.
11
Bake for 10 min.
12
Let cool for 10 min.
13
In a small bowl, combine the milk powder and syrup with an electric mixer at low speed until smooth.
14
Slowly add the water, and mix at low speed until thick and syrupy.
15
On the cooled crust, spread the coconut to cover, then the reserved almonds, then the dates, and finally the chips.
16
Gently pat down the filling and drizzle the topping over all.
17
Bake for 25-35 min., or until the edges are golden brown and the center is lightly brown and looks solid.
18
Let cool on a wire rack.
19
Cut into squares and serve.