BANANA & STRAWBERRY FLAP JACK

When certain people walk into our lives, it seems as if we have or had known them at some point of time or in another life time. There is an instant connect and something just clicks so perfectly. One such person entered my life just recently. I had often heard about her from my bro-in-law but eventually met her in February at his wedding. He had met her at an ayurvedic wellness centre and often spoke about her charming personality & endearing nature. She has two sons and now considers him her third son.
 

I was looking forward to meeting her at his wedding and visualised her as a 45/ 50 year old, slightly greying & ageing lady but I was pleasantly surprised when I saw before me a young looking beautiful woman! It was hard to believe she had such grown up sons. What was most striking about her was the tranquillity on her face, the love in her eyes and the beautiful aura that she had about her; it spoke of a beautiful mind and a loving heart. She easily rubbed off her optimistic and positive attitude on people around her. I believe it is not often that we come across such amazing souls. 

The two of us hit off instantly. During our chit chat, I happened to asked her if she would like to share one of her recipes with me for my blog (my bro-in-law told me that she was an excellent cook) and she readily shared a few with me. This flap jack recipe was one of them and it instantly caught my fancy coz I had often seen flap jack recipes on the net but never thought of making it until now. I liked the taste and chewy consistency of this flap jack; next time I would try and make a crunchy one (just curious how would that taste!)

I have tinkered with some elements – I added a banana, dessicated coconut and substituted whole wheat flour with granola. Also, substituted sugar with golden syrup (psst…I made the golden syrup at home…it is not easily available in India). The result was a slightly chewy and soft flapjack with sweet hint of banana and tangy touch of strawberry.
 
Here is the list of ingredients that I used:
 
1 ¾ cup porridge oats
1 ¾ cup granola (you can even use muesli if you wish to)
½  cup dessicated coconut
140 ml golden syrup
130 grams unsalted white butter
275-300 grams strawberries (finely chopped)
1 large ripe banana (mashed)

Pre heat the oven at 190 C. Prepare a 9 inch square tin (I made these in 7 inch but I believe a 9 inch would be better) by lining the base and sides with parchment paper.
On gentle heat, melt the butter and golden syrup. Remove from heat and add the mashed banana. Stir in the oats and granola.
Transfer half the mixture into the tin and press evenly and level the surface. Add the chopped strawberries and spread evenly.
Add rest of mixture over the strawberries and press evenly levelling the surface.
Bake till the edges start turning brown and the top is golden brown.
Allow it to cool for 10 minutes and cut into squares.
Carefully remove the squares from the tin and cool completely on a wire rack.  
 

Note: She suggests serving this with vanilla ice-cream…but  whipped cream sounds good too…what say?!

Yield: 12 squares



Thank you so much Mrs Ashokan for this recipe…I really appreciate it J

IT IS ALWAYS ENCOURAGING TO HEAR FROM FRIENDS AND READERS. I CAN ALSO BE REACHED AT: easyfoodsmith@gmail.com

46 thoughts on “BANANA & STRAWBERRY FLAP JACK

    1. This recipe looks so gorgeous, I’m going to try it later today infact, I just can’t wait any longer!
      Would you be able to advise me on the the storage of these little gems and also an idea of about how long to store for please? Thank you kindly for the inspiration and motivation to try something different to my normal flapjack recipe.

      1. Thanks! They stay well stored in fridge for two to three days (the get polished off way before that actually)

  1. Mmm, this looks fantastic! Few fruit combinations make me happier than this one, so I’d probably demolish a stack 😉

  2. I have never seen something like this before. It is very interesting that it has no eggs in it. I want to try this. It is looking very good and healthy.

  3. Oh wow. You know, I’m not so keen on the combination of strawberry and bananas, but I don’t think I could say no to this. This looks absolutely delicious!

    1. Its the same with me Cathleen! I have never enjoyed a banana and strawberry muffin ever but here, they pair well and really compliment each other. I am sure you will find it good.

  4. Fruit and grains in a chewy bar-that is hard to resist! Love the myriad of textures as well as the flavors. Deliciously done my friend-yum!

  5. Oh wow…these flapjacks are beautiful! What a wonderful array of flavors going on here, too! (I love coconut added to just about anything!) So nice for you to have made such a lovely connection and so a thank you to your new friend as well…for sharing such a terrific recipe! : )

    1. It turned out very yum my dear!The new combination was delicious and every one enjoyed it. Its a very healthy breakfast indeed! All the best for your innovative skills.(It was your hard work,but u seem to have got me famous!That’s being very generous. Thank you)

  6. An excellent start off, dear! I was drawn to her charisma too. Gosh, the recipe looks tempting & love the presentation, as always 🙂

  7. Wow! Taruna, you have posted a GF recipe. I use rolled oats in my cooking all the time,even if it is not Gluten free. They taste really good and very healthy. I am glad that you met this friend who connected so well with you.

  8. Really interesting story – you have never known until you meet the person. 🙂 It’s rare to find someone like her who makes everyone around so positive. These flapcjacks look really delicious! Wish having some right now with my tea!

  9. Lovely combination, this looks absolutely wonderful. Beautiful post … Thanks to Mrs. Ashokan for sharing the recipe 🙂

  10. these Flap jacks look fabulous and delicious! What a nice thing to say about a person! The fact that you were able to see all those things in her says a lot about you!

  11. It is amazing how sometimes we connect with people we have never met before. And we feel like we’ve known them for years! These flapjacks look and I am sure taste delicious!

  12. It is always wonderful to meet someone that becomes profound in your life. You seem to have found such a person. 🙂 These flap jacks look mouthwatering and delicious. Your photography and food styling is superb!! Really well done! I hope you enjoy many years of friendship with your special friend. 🙂

  13. I actually had to google to find out what Flap Jack is. The pics are amazing!

    Good to know that you made your own golden syrup… I too have been wanting to try making it.Is there any particular recipe you followed to make Golden Syrup? I’ve a few bookmarked ones but it would be good to use a tried n tested one. 🙂

  14. Indeed! Optimism is a gift and the more we share it with others, the more it bounces back to us. I love the “spring” theme of this breakfast treat. Thanks for sharing.

  15. Oh, yes. I’ll take mine with ice cream!!! What gorgeous flapjacks! And how nice you made a new foodie friend~

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