Brown Rice Chews

A snack or a meal!

1 cup (250 ml) pre-cooked brown rice (about 1/4-1/2 cup or 60-125 ml dry rice)
2-3 Tbsp (30-45 ml) maple syrup (or honey)
1 tsp (5 ml) almond or other natural oil
1/2-1 tsp (2-5 ml) real vanilla extract
1/3 cup (82 ml) tapioca flour
2 Tbsp (30 ml) arrowroot powder
1/4 cup (60 ml) raisins or other chopped, dried fruit
1/4 cup (60 ml) almonds or other nut
Optional: few dashes of sea salt and/or cinnamon

The tapioca adds a semi-sweet, pleasant flavor and arrowroot can be purchased at health stores.

Mix the rice with the sweetener and other liquid ingredients with a fork. Do not mash or crush the rice. Add the flour and powders and mix again. Last, mix in the nuts and dried fruit.

Drop a heaping teaspoon full onto a lightly oiled cookie sheet about one to two inches apart and flatten to about half an inch or less thick. Place in pre-heated oven at 300°F and bake for 40-50 minutes until firm on the outside and lightly browned. Cool for one hour then store in a tin or foil. Keeps fresh, unrefrigerated for two to three days or more if kept out of direct heat.

Source: alive Magazine (pre-2000)