The diary of a Competitive Mum

'CATHERINES MIDNIGHT MILK BAR'

SPECIALS

BOOBIE MILK AND HOMEMADE GRANOLA!

Now my god daughter is over a week old I had a feeling her mummy may be feeling a bit tired and in need of a some sweetness of the sugary kind. Midnight feeds and nappy changes require energy unlike any other and the right sort of snacks are essential so home made granola seemed just the right thing. Containing real fruit, oats, almonds and yummy honey they taste better the day after cooking so perfect for a gift.

How to:

• 2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1 cup shredded coconut, loosely packed
• 1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• All of this available to order on-line and delivered by Ocado.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 180 degreesC. Butter an 8 by 12-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.

Toss the oatmeal, almonds, and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the wheat germ.

Reduce the oven temperature to 150 degrees C.

Place the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir for a minute, then pour over the toasted oatmeal mixture. Add the dates, apricots, and cranberries and stir well.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Wet your fingers and lightly press the mixture evenly into the pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool for at least 2 to 3 hours before cutting into squares. Serve at room temperature.

Enjoy!

CM x