Another Blue Zone recipe that combines flavour and health. I love apples and oats so this is a winning combination for me. I do enjoy fruit but sometimes you just want a sweet treat or a snack that feels comforting. You don’t have to compromise on flavour in order to eat in a healthful way  – these bars can be eaten for breakfast or for a snack with a cup of tea or coffee. Cheap, simple and Vegan.

Ingredients
2 1/4 x cups of rolled oats
1 x cup of unsweetened plant based milk
4 x tbsp maple syrup
3 x tsp cinnamon powder
1 x apple – peeled, cored and finely chopped
1 x tsp vanilla essence
1/4 x cup of ground flaxseeds
1 x cup of water
3 x tbsp of water
1/4 x cup of macadamia nuts
1/2 x cup of wholewheat flour

Method

Preheat the oven to 375°F/200 c
In a bowl mix together 2 cups of oats, the plant-based milk, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, the cinnamon, apple, vanilla, flaxseeds, and 1 cup of water. Press down into a lightly greased deepish small baking tin (this will form the base).
In a blender, pulse the macadamia nuts to a breadcrumb-like texture. 
In another bowl mix together the whole-wheat flour, pulsed macadamia nuts, the remaining ¹⁄₄ cup of oats, remaining 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 3 tablespoons water to form a loose dough.
Crumble the mixture over the top of the oatmeal mixture base. Sprinkle with a little brown sugar if desired.
Bake for 35 minutes, or until the top is crispy. Let cool for 10 minutes to set, then cut into 4 squares. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

I