Baking for Beginners: Spiced Chocolate Flapjacks

Flapjacks are one of the easiest baked goods to make. Within 30 minutes you have a tray of sweet oatey goodness to pair with your cup of tea. And they are great to make with kids. I have many a fond memory stirring in the butter and golden syrup with my Granny. Every time we went to visit I would beg her to make flapjacks with me.

Fast forward many years and I have slightly adapted this recipe to add some warmth to the flapjacks. If you follow my recipes you might be able to spot a bit of a pattern now, I am somewhat prone to 'spiced' dishes. I just love rich, strong flavours in my food. This one is more subtle though, and you can adjust the spices to your liking.

Spiced Chocolate  Flapjacks (makes 12 large slices)

You will need:

• 150g Butter
• 75g Light Brown Sugar
• 3 tbsp Golden Syrup
• ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon
• ½ tsp Ground Ginger
• 250g Rolled Oats
• 50g Chocolate (chopped)
• 30g Chocolate (for melting)

Make it!

• Preheat oven to 180C and grease a 30cm long baking tray (or throw down some baking paper like I did).
• In a small saucepan, melt together the butter, sugar, golden syrup and spices. Stir occasionally until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved.
• Place the oats in a large mixing bowl and pour the melted mixture on top. Stir well to combine. Gently fold in the chunks of chocolate and immediately pour the entire mixture into the prepared tin. Using the wooden spoon, flatten the mixture into the tray and bake for 20 minutes.
• Allow to completely cool.
• Melt the remaining chocolate and slowly drizzle in diagonal stripes across the top of the flapjack. Allow the chocolate to harden before using a knife to cut the flapjacks into large chunks.