Dried Fruit Bars

Combine ¾ cup nuts, flour, and sugar in a food processor; pulse until the nuts are finely ground. Add 4 tablespoons of the oil; pulse until well incorporated.

Whisk egg, remaining oil and vanilla in a small bowl. With the motor running, add the mixture to the food processor. Process until the mixture begins to clump, 30 to 45 seconds—it will still look crumbly. Measure out ½ cup of the mixture and combine in a bowl with the remaining ¼ cup nuts. Set aside for the topping.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a 9 x 13” pan with parchment paper.

Combine 2 cups dried fruit, cider, sugar and cornstarch in a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is very thick, 4 to 5 Minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in the remaining dried fruit and vanilla.

Press the dough into the lined baking dish pressing firmly into the bottom to form a crust. Spread the fruit filling over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved topping over the filling.

Bake the bars for 15 Minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees and bake until the crust and topping are lightly brown, 25 to 30 Minutes more. Let cool completely before cutting into bars, at least 1½ hours 1 1/2 Hours.