I realised yesterday that I hadn’t baked so far this year. Yes I know, that’s crazy talk coming from me. Normally I’m cranking up the oven at least 3 times a week to bake treats for the boys or the weekend. There are no excuses for this type of behaviour and of course I had to fix it. After consulting with a few readers on the Facebook page, I made these chewy fruit flapjacks.

Before I continue, I must add a note for the neighbours:

There are none left.

Yes they were nice.

Yes of course you are wonderful neighbours.

No I still didn’t make you any.

Sorry, next time I’ll invite you over to fight the 2 year old for them.

If I was the betting type, my money would be on the 2 year old.

Moving swiftly on…..

As a vehicle for black bananas, banana bread is great but why not try this recipe for a change. The 5 year old is allowed to bring treats into school providing they’ve been made at home and these chewy flapjacks have oats, fruit and an extra “secret” ingredient which help with the chewy element.

Chewy Fruit Flapjacks

(makes 2 x 15cm square brownie tins) or 18 thin flapjacks

Ingredients

• 100g unsalted butter
• 75g sugar
• 50g golden syrup
• 50g dried mixed fruit
• 250g rolled oats (make sure these are gluten free if you are catering for a gluten free diet)
• 2 black bananas

Method

Preheat a (fan) oven to 170 degrees Celsius.

Put the butter, sugar and golden syrup in a large saucepan on medium on your hob. Heat until the ingredients are melted together. Stir in the dried mixed fruit and allow to coat in the liquid for about 2 minutes. Pour in the rolled oats and stir well until they are well coated in the liquid.

Skin and mash the 2 bananas, then add to the oat mixture in the saucepan. Stir again so that it’s well combined.  Press the mixture into 2 x 15cm square brownie tins. I use a non-stick baking tin and there is no need to grease, dust or line it when you’re making flapjacks.

Put the tins in the oven for 25-35 minutes. Once they start to turn golden brown on top, remove and allow to cool for 30 minutes before using a knife to impress the flapjack shapes on top of the mixture. Do not lift the flapjacks out while they are still warm as you could burn yourself. Wait until fully cool before breaking into the pieces you’ve impressed.

These chewy fruit flapjacks will keep for up to 5 days in a sealed dry box in a cool place. Truthfully though they don’t last very long!Note: If you are on a dairy free diet you may like to replace the butter with 75ml of sunflower oil. Also if you have any intolerances do check the bag of oats and also of dried fruit for any agents added to keep the contents dry and separated.