Nutella Fruit & Nut Bars

Makes 24 servings

2 1/3 cups quick rolled oats
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup dried cranberries
3/4 cup chopped dried apricots
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup toasted black sesame seeds (white sesame seeds can be substituted)
1/3 cup uncooked quinoa
2/3 cup Nutella
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
8 tablespoons (4 ounces) butter, melted
2/3 cup honey
1 1/2 tablespoons water

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Line a 9″ x 12″ baking pan in one direction with parchment paper (so that the parchment paper goes up two opposing sides). Lightly grease the parchment paper and any part of the pan that is exposed.

3. Stir together all the dry ingredients, including the fruit and nuts, in a large bowl.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. Add the wet ingredients to the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Toss everything together until the mixture is evenly combined (the mixture will be crumbly).

5. Spread the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing firmly into the pan to form a firm layer.

6. Bake the bars for 30 to 40 minutes, until the edges are starting to darken. The bars will seem underbaked, but they will start to firm up as they cool. Cool the bars in the pan completely on a cooling rack. Once cool, place the pan in the refrigerate to complete setting for approximately 30 minutes. After chilling, cut the bars into pieces with a sharp knife sprayed with cooking spray (helps prevent the bars from sticking to the knife). Store in an airtight container, or wrapped individually in plastic wrap, in the refrigerator. The bars will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to about a week. The bars also freeze well and will keep for up to about 5 months.