Sesame Fruit-and-Nut Bars

1. Stage

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line an 8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Stage

Spread walnut pieces on a rimmed baking sheet and toast in oven, shaking pan frequently, until walnuts just start to turn golden brown and smell slightly fragrant, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven, set aside in a bowl, and let stand until cool to the touch.

3. Stage

Repeat process with sesame seeds, toasting about 10 minutes and watching carefully so seeds do not burn. Remove from oven and let stand until cool to the touch. Transfer to a medium bowl.

4. Stage

Place walnuts and cherries in a food processor or blender. Process until nuts and fruit come together, coarsely chopped, to form a sticky ball.

5. Stage

Add nut and fruit mixture to sesame seeds. Add salt, coconut butter, and agave nectar or honey and mix, using hands, until well combined. The mixture should easily stay together when squeezed.

6. Stage

Press into prepared baking pan, forming a layer approximately 1/2 inch thick. Refrigerate until completely cool, about 1 hour. Cut into squares and serve.