Nuts About Seedy Fig Flapjacks - The Low Fat Flapjack!

Folllowing the most generous gift of figs from my wonderful work colleague Noreen, I set about trying to figure out what to cook this evening with them that would keep well enough for me to bring into work tomorrow to share with her as a thank you for her generosity.

Being January, myself and all the other girls in the office are on a new year health kick! Fridays we usually allow ourselves 'Friday Treats'; but  it being only the second week back to work after Christmas everyone is still trying to keep the healthy diet New Years resolutions.  So I decided to try out a healthy flapjack recipe instead.

If you look down through the ingredients below the only naughty ingredient is the butter, but it is a reduced fat spread. I also chose honey instead of the traditional golden syrup, and the rest of the ingredients speak for themselves. They are packed with proteins, fiber and brain-building, energy boosting properties. Great for a breakfast on the run, a healthy snack for the kiddies, or like for us at work,  to get over the mid-morning slump!!!

Ingredients

• 150g reduced fat butter
• 2 tbsp of orange juice
• 50g honey (I love Boyne Valley Honey)
• 1 mashed ripe banana
• 200g rolled oats
• 30g pumpkin seeds
• 30g of sunflower seeds
• 30g of sesame seeds
• 100g of chopped dried apricots
• 50g of chopped walnuts
• 4 figs, sliced thinly
• Extra honey to drizzle

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter, and add the honey, juice and mashed banana.
3. Stir well to combine fully.
4. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
5. Add all the remaining ingredients to the liquid and mix well until thoroughly combined.
6. Spread the mixture out over the lined tray and top with the fig slices
7. Drizzle with some extra honey and bake in the oven for 25-28 minutes.
8. Allow to cool in the tray.
9. Cut once completely cooled.
10. Store in airtight container. The flapjacks will keep for up to 5 days this way.

These flapjacks have less calories than traditional flapjacks, omitting sugar and golden syrup, making them lighter in texture and in taste; but also a whole lot lighter in calories.............. we we can eat more so  I say!!!!!