Alpine Honey Nut Bars

Ingredients

While the original Greek pasteli is made with sesame seeds, the Alpine Honey Nut Bars replace them with a combination of toasted almonds and walnuts. Additionally, the Alpine version incorporates traditional Alpine spices to add a unique flavor profile to the bars. The use of local honey enhances the sweetness and provides a distinct Alpine touch. We alse have the original recipe for Pasteli, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (240ml) honey 1 cup (240ml) honey
• 1 cup (100g) almonds, toasted and roughly chopped 1 cup (100g) almonds, toasted and roughly chopped
• 1 cup (100g) walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped 1 cup (100g) walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 200 kcal / 836 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 22g, 18g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large saucepan, heat the honey over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer.
2. 2.
   Add the toasted almonds, walnuts, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
3. 3.
   Reduce the heat to low and cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the nuts are well coated and the mixture thickens slightly.
4. 4.
   Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
5. 5.
   Line a baking dish with parchment paper and transfer the mixture into the dish, pressing it down firmly to create an even layer.
6. 6.
   Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
7. 7.
   Once chilled, remove the bars from the baking dish and cut them into desired shapes, such as rectangular bars or squares.
8. 8.
   Serve the Alpine Honey Nut Bars as a delightful snack or dessert.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Make sure to toast the almonds before chopping them. This will enhance their flavor and add a pleasant crunch to the bars.

Tips & Tricks

• For a variation, you can add dried fruits like cranberries or apricots to the mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier taste, you can increase the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Serving advice

Serve the Alpine Honey Nut Bars as a delightful snack with a cup of hot tea or coffee. They can also be enjoyed as a sweet ending to an Alpine-inspired meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the bars on a wooden serving platter and sprinkle them with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a drizzle of melted chocolate for added visual appeal.