I think I'm developing an obsession for flapjacks. I love the oaty, sticky, comforting, almost predictability of them.... and the fact that I feel like I'm eating something healthy even though I know, in my heart of hearts I'm not!
The latest foray into the flapjack produced a nut, seed and fruit laden delight. Perfect for breakfast, mid morning snack, midnight nibble .... actually, any time of day! I'm having to show restraint and hold myself back from the tin! The latest version to grace my cake tin was crammed full of sesame seeds, pumpkins seeds, almonds, pecans, coconut, dried cranberries and sultanas: what isn't to love?! It was a brunch style granola bar, if you will! The possibilities are endless. I'm thinking I need to experiment - a vegan version, a gluten free version, a chocolatey version, a plain and simple version for the purists out there. And, for those virtuous moments when I need to eat only salad (doesn't happen often!), a healthy version with less butter, sugar and syrup. Hmm .... Anyway, need I go on! Are you getting the picture and understanding my obsession?!!
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| The flapjack in all it's sticky, oaty, goodness laden glory! |
Saying all this, I am picky with my flapjacks. They must be deep, dense and moist. Not overly huge and overpowering, yet not tiny and bite-sized. What use is that to man or beast?! Not overly sticky and not too dry. Nothing worse than ploughing your way through a bar of sawdust. A good ratio of nuts/seeds/fruit to oat is vital - nothing too overpowering. It is all about balance. Not too well fired and crispy, just lightly toasted with a crunchy edge and soft middle. And, home-made only please! In an emergency, a Fabulous Baker Boys or a Stoats Porridge Bar option will just about suffice but really, only in an absolute emergency, thank you very much!
I'm dreaming of an apple and cinnamon version, or, apricot and ginger, or, a simple honey and sesame one, or a maple and pecan, or, a toffee and chocolate chunk, or a white chocolate and raspberry one .... yum, yum, yum! At the core, a lovely oaty mix resplendent with jumbo flakes which still have just a little bit of bite left. What could be finer?! If you haven't dabbled in the flapjack world for a while, may I suggest you do. Like cornflakes, have you forgotten how good they are?!
On that note, I think it could be time for tea and perhaps just a wee nibble of a flapjack, a fruity, nutty, seedy one ... well, a cuppa is too dry without one!
