(Note: If you are viewing this on a mobile device – I am aware that the photo is sideways).

I’m not going to lie. Usually I’m not a fan of dried fruit. Yet ever since I flushed out my system with Bikrams my tastebuds now crave for natural sugars in fruit – say hello to Stoneridge Orchards from our neighbours in Royal City, Washington State.  The family (third generation) owned farm has been growing and producing all natural and organic premium products, such as cherries, blueberries, raspberries, apples and strawberries, since 1962.

Here are some easy, simple recipes to try (if you aren’t a fan of just eating dried fruit on its own – it is a great post workout snack though). I’m going to test out the cranberry granola bars next week. So glad its not actual baking – as i don’t bake, I burn 😉

CHERRY ALMOND POWER BITES
INGREDIENTS

2 ½ cups unblanched slivered almonds
1/3 cup ground flaxseed
2/3 cup dried cherries
1/3 cup dried cranberries
3 tablespoon raw hemp seeds
2 tablespoons honey
1 pinch of sea salt
2 tablespoon water

DIRECTIONS

Place almonds, flax meal, cherries, cranberries, hemp seeds, honey and salt in food processor.
Pulse until ground and then pulse in water until the mixture begins to form a solid ball.
Press mixture firmly into an 8 x 8 inch baking dish -lined with wax paper.
Slice into bars and serve.
Makes 15 small bars.

DRIED CHERRY COCONUT GRANOLA
INGREDIENTS

4 cups rolled oats
1-1/2 cups slivered almonds
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup toasted coconut chips
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cups honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 cups dried cherries

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, line a cookie chest with parchment paper. Combine everything but the cherries in a large bowl. Spread the mixture onto pan and bake for 30-40 minutes rotating pan every 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let pan sit in oven uncovered for 5 hours or overnight. Transfer the granola to a large bowl, breaking up the big clumps, Add the dried cherries and store in an air tight container for up to a month.

CRANBERRY GRANOLA BARS
INGREDIENTS

1 cup peanut butter (organic is best)
1/2 cup honey
2 1/2 cups oats, granola or cereal–or all combined
1/2 cup Stoneridge Orchards dried cranberries

DIRECTIONS

Line an 8″ x 8″ pan with foil
Spray foil with non stick spray
Melt peanut butter and honey on the stovetop
Add in granola and dried fruits (other fruits work well too!)
Mix it all together well until the berries and granola are well coated
Pour into pan and spread granola evenly
Cut into squares
Cover with plastic wrap and place in fridge for an hour
Can be served over 5 days

ELENA:)