WE all love something sweet now and again. But sweet doesn’t have to be unhealthy.
My pistachio, apricot and honey flapjacks are a real winner for all my family. Not only do they satisfy a sweet craving, they are packed full of goodness and give you the energy you need.
My cyclist husband, Mark Cavendish, really loves them, as they are good, long-lasting fuel, high in fibre and protein.
And the kids eat them without turning their noses up – not realising they are eating fruit.
Here’s how to make them . . .
INGREDIENTS:
50g butter
2 tablespoons of smooth peanut butter
2 tablespoons of honey (I use manuka but any kind will do)
1 medium-ripe banana
1 apple, peeled and grated (or stewed skin off)
250g oats
100g chopped dried apricots
100g chopped pistachios
METHOD:
Pre-heat the oven to 160C/140C fan, and line a 20cm baking tin with baking paper.
Heat the butter, honey and peanut butter in a pan over a medium heat until melted.
Mash the banana and add the stewed or grated apple then add the fruit to the melted mixture.
Drop a few tablespoons of hot water into the fruit and mix until combined.
Mix the oats, apricots and pistachios in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted banana mix into the bowl with the oats and stir until the whole mixture is evenly covered and wet.
Tip the flapjack mix into the baking tray and level it out. Bake between 45mins and 1 hour or until golden. Leave to cool and firm before cutting into 16 pieces.
This recipe is high in fibre and natural raw sugars as well as good fatty acids. It has lots of potassium and vitamin E, too.
Although not completely fat or sugar-free, they are natural and not packed with hidden processed preservatives. Each serving is around 187 calories.
Log onto mcb777.fun/peta for more recipe ideas.