Spiced Apple bars

It is officially Fall.  Bulbous pumpkins are taking over the fresh produce at the supermarkets and stores are in full on Halloween mode.  It all seems slightly irrelevant as its 37oC outside, we are still swimming in the pool and slurping ice pops!    However not one to miss a baking opportunity Connie & I decided to make these Spiced apple bars which have a definite autumnal ring to them. 

In the UK they are known as flapjacks and were a favourite in my house growing up, with or without the apple.  They are fun for kids to do and worth the fight over the bowl licking rights!

The recipe is slightly adapted from her cookbook "Children's book of Baking".

Spiced Apple bars

2 large or 3 small apples (any variety will do)

6oz unsalted butter

1/2 cup soft brown sugar

2 tablespoons of maple syrup

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ginger

1/4 cup sultanas or raisins

2 tbs sunflower seeds

1/2 cup oats

1/2 cup jumbo oats

Line or grease a 7 x 11 inch tin. Preheat the oven to 325F.

In a medium sized saucepan melt 1oz of the butter. Peel and chop the apples into chunks and add to the melted butter.  Cook them over a low heat until the apples soften slightly, 5 - 10 minutes.  

Add the rest of the ingredients except the oats and seeds.  Stir until the remaining butter and sugar has melted then remove from the heat. Stir in the oats & seeds.  Tip the mixture into the tin then smooth down the top with the back of a spoon.

Bake in the oven for 30 minutes until dark golden and still soft.  Allow to cool in the tin then transfer to a cooling rack and cut into bars or squares.  Be careful not over cook them as they become dry and brittle.

Might of eaten the corner bars....

The house is filled with a delicious aroma which is reminiscent of Autumn, even if its nothing like it outside!