Recipe: Malty Flapjacks

By popular request, here is the recipe for my Malty Flapjacks. I’ve spent some time gradually refining this recipe – the finished result used honey and malt instead of white sugar, and also much less fat than most flapjack recipes. It’s very easy to cook, and about as healthy as a sweet treat can be!

Ingredients:
250g porridge oats
130g cooking spread or unsalted butter
70g honey
70g barley malt
Dried fruit, nuts etc as you choose

Method: Simply melt the butter or spread in a large saucepan on a low heat (do not allow to boil.) Stir in all the other ingredients until evenly mixed. Transfer to a greased baking dish and put into a warm oven (gas 4, 180 degrees) for 25-30 mins until beginning to brown on top. Remove from oven and whilst still warm use a knife to cut into 8-10 slices. leave in the tray until completely cool before removing.

Variations:

Grain: Oats seem the best, but I often replace up to 50g of oats with other flaked grains eg barley or quinoa.

Sweetner: The equal mix of honey and malt works well, but you could try replacing some or all of it with date syrup, molasses, maple syrup etc. Barley malt is a thick sweet liquid, much less refined than sugar and consequently better for you. You can get it from most health-food shops.

Other bits: Any dried fruit, nuts or seeds can be added to taste. A small handful is normally plenty. A pinch of cinnamon or mixed spice also work well. Here are some ideas of combinations I’ve enjoyed:

Hazelnut and sultana – A classic mix. My favourite.
Tropical – Dried pineapple and dessicated coconut.
Mixed seed – Nutritious and tasty.
Date and walnut – Another common combination, works really well.
Yin booster – Goji berries and black sesame seeds to tonify Qi, Yin, and Blood. Soak the goji berries in water for an hour before use to stop the from burning.
Yang booster- Walnut and cinnamon to tonify Qi and Yang.