Best Almond And Ginger Bars Recipes

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GINGER AND ALMOND BARS



Ginger and Almond Bars image

Gluten-free bar cookies with an almond meal base and a candied ginger, sliced almond, and honey topping.

Provided by Patricia Wells

Categories     HarperCollins     Dessert     Almond     Ginger     Cookies     Bake     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Honey

Yield Makes 16 bars

Number Of Ingredients 17

Base:
3 tablespoons (45 g) unsalted butter
1 3/4 cups (165 g) almond meal (also called almond flour or almond powder)
2 tablespoons peeled and grated fresh ginger
3 tablespoons mild honey, such as clover
1 large egg, free-range and organic, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Topping:
4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter
1 cup (80 g) sliced almonds
1/3 cup (45 g) minced candied ginger
1/3 cup (80 ml) mild honey, such as clover
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Special Equipment
A 9-1/2-inch (24 cm) square baking pan; baking parchment; a 2-quart (2 l) saucepan; a baking rack.

Steps:

  • Center a rack in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line the pan with baking parchment, letting the parchment hang over the sides. (This will make it easier to remove the dessert once baked.)
  • Prepare the base:
  • In the saucepan, melt the butter. Add the almond meal, fresh ginger, honey, egg, salt, and vanilla. Stir until well combined. The mixture should be thick and sticky.
  • Turn the mixture out into the prepared pan. To help make a level and even base, place a piece of plastic wrap on top of the base. Using a flat-bottomed glass (or your fingers), smooth out the base by pressing gently to evenly cover the bottom of the pan. Remove and discard the plastic wrap. Bake until the base is slightly firm, 12 to 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the topping:
  • In the same saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the almonds, candied ginger, honey, salt, and vanilla. Stir just until the ingredients are incorporated.
  • When the base is baked, spread the topping evenly over the base and bake until the topping is dark and sizzling, 12 to 15 minutes. Do not underbake.
  • Transfer the pan to the baking rack to cool. When the dessert is completely cool, remove it from the pan using the overhanging parchment as handles and cut it into 16 even squares.
  • Do Ahead
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
  • Variation:
  • Chestnut Honey Squares: For the base, replace 1 cup (90g) almond meal with 3/4 cup (120 g) unbleached, all-purpose flour and use a strong honey, such as chestnut, in place of the mild honey. For the topping, replace the candied ginger with organic candied orange or lemon peel, cut into tiny cubes.

ALMOND AND GINGER BARS



Almond and Ginger Bars image

Mix in, refrigerate, slice, bake: Try all of our shaped icebox-cookie variations.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cookie Recipes

Yield Makes about 10 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 3

Spice Cookie Dough
1 cup chopped toasted blanched almonds
1/2 cup chopped candied ginger

Steps:

  • Once the flour is incorporated according to dough recipe, beat in almonds and ginger. Divide dough into 2 pieces. Shape each into a 10-inch-long rectangle. Wrap in parchment. Refrigerate until very firm, about 2 hours.
  • Slice dough crosswise slightly thicker than 1/8 inch. Reshape if needed. Bake at 350 degrees on parchment-lined baking sheets until firm, 12 to 14 minutes.

Almond and ginger bars are a perfect blend of savory and sweet, bringing together the delicate and subtle flavor of almonds along with the spicy and pungent taste of ginger. These bars are a healthy and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. They are easy to prepare and make for a great addition to any meal or as a standalone snack.

Description

The almond and ginger bars are made from a combination of gluten-free and healthy ingredients, including almond flour, almond butter, ginger, honey, coconut oil, and a variety of seeds such as chia and flaxseed. These ingredients are mixed together to create a dough-like mixture, which is then baked in the oven to create the perfect crunch.

Health benefits

The almond and ginger bars are not only delicious but also nutritious, providing a plethora of health benefits. Firstly, almonds are a rich source of vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber, which help to lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and improve heart health. Ginger, on the other hand, is a natural anti-inflammatory and has been shown to relieve nausea, migraines, and other inflammation-related conditions. Moreover, the almond and ginger bars contain healthy fats, protein, and complex carbohydrates, which provide sustainable energy and satiety, making it an ideal snack for those on-the-go.
1. Almond Flour
Almond flour is a protein-packed, gluten-free flour that is made from ground almonds. It is a great substitute for traditional wheat flour, making it ideal for those with gluten intolerances or allergies. It also contains healthy fats, fiber, and protein, making it a nutritious ingredient.
2. Almond Butter
Almond butter is made from ground almonds and is a great alternative to peanut butter. It is a rich source of monounsaturated fats, which have heart-protective benefits. Almond butter also contains vitamin E, magnesium, and protein, making it a nutritious spread.
3. Ginger
Ginger is a root that is used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to relieve nausea and other inflammation-related conditions. Ginger can be used as a spice in cooking or brewed in tea.
4. Honey
Honey is a natural sweetener that is also rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. It is a healthier alternative to refined sugar and adds a touch of sweetness to the almond and ginger bars.
5. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a healthy fat that is high in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are easily metabolized in the body, providing a quick source of energy. Coconut oil has also been shown to boost metabolism, making it an ideal ingredient for those looking to lose weight.
6. Seeds
Seeds such as chia and flaxseed are rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to improve heart health, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce inflammation. These seeds also add a delightful crunch to the almond and ginger bars.

Conclusion

The almond and ginger bars are a nutritious and flavorful snack that is easy to make and perfect for those on-the-go. The combination of gluten-free ingredients such as almond flour, almond butter, ginger, honey, coconut oil, and seeds creates a satisfying blend of sweetness and spice that is both delicious and nutritious. This snack is a great alternative to traditional snacks that are often high in sugar and unhealthy fats. Plus, the different ingredients offer a range of health benefits that can be enjoyed with every bite.
Almond and ginger bars are a healthy and delicious snack that can be made easily at home. These bars are perfect for people of all ages and are particularly good for people who want to reduce their sugar intake.

Tips for Making Almond and Ginger Bars

1. Choose High-Quality Ingredients
When making almond and ginger bars, it is important to choose high-quality ingredients, particularly when it comes to the nuts and spices. Look for almonds that are fresh and crunchy, and make sure that the ginger is aromatic and potent.
2. Use a Food Processor
To make almond and ginger bars, it is important to use a food processor. A food processor will help you to create a smooth and creamy texture for the bars, which is essential for their taste and texture.
3. Be Consistent with Measurements
When making almond and ginger bars, it is important to be consistent with your measurements. This means that you should use the same measuring cup or spoon for all of the ingredients. This will help to ensure that the bars are consistent in taste and texture.
4. Use a Sweetener in Moderation
Almond and ginger bars can be made with a variety of sweeteners, including honey, maple syrup, and agave nectar. While these sweeteners can add flavor and sweetness to the bars, it is important to use them in moderation. Too much sweetener can result in bars that are too sweet and may also affect their texture.
5. Be Sure to Chill the Bars
Once you have made your almond and ginger bars, it is important to chill them before serving. Chilling the bars will help to firm them up and make them easier to cut into squares.
6. Add Extra Flavor with Spices and Extracts
While ginger is the main spice used in almond and ginger bars, it is possible to add extra flavor with other spices and extracts. For example, you could add cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract to your bars to give them an extra flavor boost.
7. Experiment with Different Nuts and Seeds
While almonds are the most common nut used in almond and ginger bars, it is also possible to experiment with other nuts and seeds. For example, you could try making bars with cashews, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds.
8. Add Crunch with Toasted Coconut
Toasted coconut can add an extra crunch to almond and ginger bars. Simply sprinkle some toasted coconut on top of the bars before serving for an added texture and flavor boost.
9. Store Bars in an Airtight Container
Almond and ginger bars should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help to keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.
10. Enjoy the Bars as a Healthy Snack
Almond and ginger bars are a healthy snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. They are rich in protein and healthy fats and are a great way to satisfy a sweet tooth without consuming too much sugar.

Conclusion

Making almond and ginger bars at home is a fun and easy way to create a healthy and delicious snack. By following these tips, you can ensure that your bars are consistent in taste and texture and will be enjoyed by everyone who tries them.

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