I have an incorrigible sweet tooth, but I dislike mass-produced cookies wrapped in plastic!
I felt like something sweet for teatime. Yes, the day starts with coffee and a rusk, but teatime deserves a cake or a cookie!
Unaware that I had a hairline fracture, I carried on doing my normal chores and even drove my car. I did try to do a little less because something did not feel right. I needed to make something quick and easy.
A tray bake would be just the thing; quick to mix, slice, and all's done!
I shared a similar recipe with you a while back, but that was a healthier variation on the theme, using way less sugar, and no golden syrup; instead, I used honey and dates. Take a peek at that delicious tray bake if you wish to see how to make Seeded Oat & Date Crunchies.
Today, I am being indulgent by taking it to the next level with chocolate drizzle on top; yum! You can add more chocolate if you wish, but that was just enough for me!
Before we get baking, I must tell you how I cannot help but feel guilty when I indulge in sugar-laden treats a little too much, or too often.
Mom Lily was a bit of a health freak - she'd shake her head if I bought treats like Fresh Cream Doughnuts, a rich Gateau, and so forth.
What nutritional value does it have, Lizelle?!
Not a question, an accusation.
Hubby, on the other hand, was a type 1 diabetic from the age of 8, and because it was forbidden, he always craved sweet things. Of course, I tried making treats with sugar alternatives, but made savoury snacks to nibble on while the kids and I indulged, not always in front of him though!
He could have a certain amount of sugar when he had a hypoglycemic episode (low sugar), or he'd simply inject a little extra insulin.
Enough explaining why I always harp on whether something is healthy or just indulgent.
We need to indulge every so often, right? And, this tray bake contains Oats and Seeds, all of which have many health benefits.
Oat Crunchies are the easiest tray bake - cut into squares and you have a nourishing cookie in no time! Forget that it's full of sugar and thick golden syrup, and with today's bake, topped with chocolate!
Shall we get to the recipe, as time is running away with us, as always!
Chocolate Crunchies
- 250 grams Butter
- 375 ml Brown Sugar
- 50ml Golden Syrup
- 5ml Vanilla or Caramel Essence
- 50ml Water
- 10ml Baking Soda
- 500ml Cake Flour
- 500ml Oat flakes
- 500ml Coconut
- 5ml Salt
- Approx 150ml mixed Seeds (I used sunflower, pumpkin, and chia)
- 100 grams Chocolate
Melt butter, sugar, syrup, essence, and water in a large deep pot over medium heat.
Add baking soda and stir - the mixture will bubble
Mix dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Pour the melted mixture over and mix till the dry ingredients are incorporated into the wet.
Spoon dough into oven pan, press into pan using fingertips.
Bake for approx 15-20 minutes till a light golden brown at 180ยฐC.
Cut into fingers or squares.
I use a steel ruler to get even-sized crunchies.
Melt chocolate over a double boiler and drizzle over crunchies.
Leave till the chocolate has set before tucking in! I tried my best to resist, but temptation got in the way, so I did not succeed. My fingers were full of melted chocolate.
Do as I say, not as I do๐
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