Cinnamon Pecan Banana Bites

This wholesome dessert is very simple to prepare and even easier to eat. Plain granola and pecans add crunch, and bananas and almond butter add flavour.

1 cup (250 mL) whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1/2 tsp (2 mL) baking soda
1/2 tsp (2 mL) cinnamon
1/3 cup (80 mL) plain granola
2 Tbsp (30 mL) chopped pecans
3/4 cup (180 mL) apricot purée
1/4 cup (60 mL) almond butter
1 banana, peeled and mashed

Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).

Mix flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and granola in large bowl. Mix in pecans, purée, almond butter, and banana.

Press into oiled 8 x 8 x 2 in (2 L) pan and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Let cool, cut into squares, and serve.

Serves 16.

Each portion contains: 66 calories; 2 g protein; 2 g total fat (0 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 11 g carbohydrates; 2 g fibre; 113 mg sodium; 4 g sugars

TIP: To make about 1 cup of apricot purée, simply place 1 cup of dried apricots in a small pot and cover with water.

Let pot boil over high heat, then simmer until fruit is tender and most water has been absorbed.

Purée until smooth using a handheld blender.

Source: "Diabetes-Friendly Desserts", alive #337, November 2010