Carrot & Spice Bars

Shown without nuts.

These great tasting bars can be used for a mid day snack, for breakfast or for dessert. No matter when you eat them I am sure you will find them very tasty and satisfying. You may have a problem getting one of your own if the kids get to them first. They do love these even though they are made with carrots and bran flakes.
I like them while still warm, with a fresh cup of decaffeinated coffee.
What a great way to start a day!

Ingredients:

1cup milk **
1/4 cup margarine or butter
1 cup bran-flakes (cereal)
2 eggs
3/4 cup grated carrots
1/3 cup golden raisins, coarsely chopped
2 + 1/2 oz pureed carrots***
1 teaspoon grated orange peal
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour****
3/4 cup sugar (or baking Splenda)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup toasted pecans (or walnuts, or almonds)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Lightly coat a 13X9 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray, set aside.

Combine milk and margarine(butter) in large microwavable bowl.
Microwave on high 1 minute or until margarine(butter) is melted.
Add cereal. Let stand 5 minutes. Add eggs, whisk to blend. Add grated carrots, raisins, pureed carrots, orange peel and vanilla.

Combine flour, sugar(sweetener), baking soda and cinnamon in medium bowl. Add to mixture, stirring until thoroughly blended. Spread evenly into prepared pan.

Bake 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Insert tines of fork into cake at 1 inch intervals.Or use toothpick... Spoon orange juice over cake. Sprinkle nuts on top and lightly press into cake.

**You may want to use soy milk to lower the carbs more.
***You can use a 2& 1/2 oz jar of baby food carrots for a smoother puree`.
**** You can use almond flour or half regular and half whole wheat.

Total fat 3g
Carbohydrates 19g (when using sugar, regular milk and flour)