Apple & Walnut Flapjacks, A Healthier Snack For Toddlers.

Today I wanted to make some yummy yet relatively healthy snacks for both Eli and Greig's packed lunches, I had tons of porridge oats in the cupboard so thought I'd make some flapjacks. I haven't made flapjacks in ages, banana, peanut butter and raisin flapjacks used to be a family favourite for a very long time. Today I chose different flavourings and decided on grated apple and walnut. I also knew I wanted to not add any refined sugar to them so that they were a little healthier for Eli and found that a combination of honey and pureed dates gave the most perfect sticky sweetness. Because these flapjacks have both honey and nuts these are not recommended for children under the age of 1.

What you will need:

• 100g of melted butter
• 3 generous tbsps of honey
• 150g of dates
• 150g of oats
• 100g of walnuts
• 2 grated apples.

Your first step is to measure out 100g of butter or lowfat spread and melt it in a mug in the microwave this should only take around 30 seconds. Then remove all the stones from your dates and place in a food processor along with the melted butter and 3 generous tablespoons of honey. 

Blend the dates, honey and butter until it forms a thick sticky mixture....it doesn't matter if there are some lumps of date but try to blend it as smooth as possible. Next you must measure out 150g of oats and 100g of roughly chopped walnut pieces, combine in a bowl and then grate 2 eating apples into the oats with skin on and mix well. 

Pour on top of the dry ingredients the blended date mixture and mix well, all the oats must be covered and the mixture should start to hold together if it still seems a little try add a tablespoon more honey. 

 

Line a deep dish or tray with baking parchment and pour the flapjack mixture in spreading it out to the sides until its an even thickness not too thin or it till fall apart when cutting. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 180 degrees for 10-15 minutes just until it is slightly brown and crisping at the edge. 

Remove from the oven and allow to cool before slicing, this is quite a moist flapjack recipe so they may need to go in the fridge after slicing for 20 minutes just to firm up a little. And there you have it a wholesome tasty snack which are great for children and adults and go very nicely with a cup of tea!

Thank you for reading! 

Loulou.