Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng tells the story of a mother and child who have been separated because of political activism. A heartwarming story, sad at parts and happy at others, a scene that stood out was when Margaret is pregnant with Bird and is deseeding a pomegranate.

“Did the pomegranate know, she thought, did it ever wonder where they went? How they turned out. If they’d ever manage to grow. All those bits of its missing heart. Scattered, to sprout elsewhere.”

While the character is discussing the scattered seeds of a pomegranate, this is essentially the theme of the book. Not only is Margaret wondering how her son is living without her, but Bird is wondering how his mother is living without him.

I also wanted to make something that was sturdy enough to take on a road trip in a dystopian time. Thus, Pomegranate Magic Bars were born! I hope you enjoy.

Please feel free to use frozen pomegranate seeds, be sure to defrost them in the fridge the night before you bake!

Pomegranate Magic Bars

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cups sugar

1/4 cup cocoa

3/4 cup butter, cold

1 egg

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup un-sweeteneed shredded coconut

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1 can condensed milk

1 cup pomegranate seeds, fresh or frozen

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Line a 13x9-in. pan with parchment, letting ends extend up sides. Lightly grease parchment with cooking spray.

3. In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, and cocoa; pulse until combined. Add butter; pulse until the mixture appears sandy. Add egg and vanilla; pulse just until combined. Press dough into the prepared pan.

4. Bake until the top appears dry, and a toothpick comes out clean, 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven; sprinkle evenly with coconut, and chocolate chips. Pour condensed milk evenly over top; return to oven. Bake until golden brown, 25-30 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.

5. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds; press gently into warm topping with the back of a spoon.

6. Cool completely in a pan on a wire rack. Lifting with parchment, remove from pan. Cut into bars.