Home Made Muesli Bars

125g margarine
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 tbsp honey
1 1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup self raising flour
1/2 cup sweetened, dried cranberries
1/2 cup coarsley chopped pitted dried dates
1/2 cup sultanas
 1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
2 tbsp sesame seeds




Preheat oven to 180C  (160C fan forced). Grease a 28 x 18cm (base measurements) slice pan and line the base and two long sides with one piece of baking paper.


Stir in margarine, sugar and hone in a medium saucepan over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Stir in remaining ingredients.


Press the mixture  into the pan and smooth the surface. Bake for about 35 minutes or until golden. Cool in the pan. Cut into bars.


Not suitable to freeze. Will keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Apricot Snack

2/3 cup chopped dried apricots
1/3 cup sultanas
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp finely grated lemon rind
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/2 cup skim milk powder
2 tbsp desiccated coconut
extra 1/4 cup desiccated coconut

Combine apricots, sultanas, water, honey, rind and lemon juice in a small pan. Simmer uncovered, for about 10 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed.

Stir in almonds, skim milk powder and coconut; mix well.

Divide mixture in half. Roll halves into 2 x 12cm long log shapes. Roll in extra coconut. Wrap in plastic wrap, place  on an oven tray. Refrigerate overnight, or until firm.

Cut into slices to serve.

Heavenly Hot Chocolate

170g dark cooking chocolate
300 ml thickened cream
1 tbs dark cocoa
500 ml milk
1 tbs honey
40 ml Tia Maria (optional)
20 ml Frangelico or Kahlua (optional)
Ice cream or double cream, to serve


Melt cooking chocolate. Pour over thickened cream and microwave for 3 mins. Stir until mixture is smooth.
Move mixture to a bowl and sift cocoa and stir until smooth. Cover and set aside.
Place milk, honey and liqueur in a microwave-safe jug and microwave for 4 mins.
Whisk hot milk mixture into the cream mixture. Divide between glasses, top with a scoop of ice cream or double cream. 
Serve immediately.


Notes:
Light cream, milk adn ice cream can be used.
Soy and rice milk may be used.
Non-alcoholic syrups and essences are available from specialty stores and can be used as a substitute for the alcoholic version.