Clusters of crunchy oats and walnuts baked with tender dried fruit make a great snack on the go.

Did you know that walnuts are one of the healthiest foods you can eat?  Walnuts are the only nut that contain a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids. No other nut even comes close.  Eating a handful of walnuts every day is one small step you can take to protect your heart.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration even approved a qualified health claim for walnuts, the first ever for a whole food.

Preheat the oven to 325ºF. Lightly spray a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan with vegetable oil spray.

In a large bowl, stir together the oats, oat bran, and walnuts. In a medium bowl, beat the egg white until frothy. Stir in the apricot nectar, maple syrup, walnut oil, and vanilla. Pour over the oat mixture, stirring until moistened. Press the mixture into the prepared pan. Bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes. Put the pan on a cooling rack and let cool for 10 minutes.

Break up the mixture into small pieces or clusters. Return the clusters to the pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Put the pan on a cooling rack. Stir in the figs and cranberries. Cool thoroughly. Store in an airtight container.

To serve, put 1/2 cup portions in snack-size bags or foil muffin cups. Or, portion into decorative bags and tie with colorful ribbon for a healthy and tasty gift.

Mixture will keep in airtight containers up to 1 week. (Freezing is not recommended.)

1/2 cup per serving;
Nutrition information per serving:
Calories 214, protein 5g, carbohydrate 39g, cholesterol 0mg, total fat 6g, saturated fat 0.5g, polyunsaturated fat 3.5g, monounsaturated fat 1.0g, fiber 5g, sodium 8mg.