GREAT SNACK TO ADD TO SCHOOL LUNCHES

With the little ones now back at school, as parents it’s important we do our best to provide them with a nutritious lunch.

Home–made muesli bars are a clever addition to the lunch box as they provide a tasty treat (without the heavy sugar content of processed snacks). And the best thing is — they’re super easy to make.

Crunchy Muesli Bars

125g Coconut oil 1/2 cup Honey 1/4 cup Coconut sugar 3 cups Rolled oats 1 cup Millet puffs 1 cup Sultanas

1/2 cup Diced apricots

1/2 cup Desiccated coconut

1/4 cup Pepitas, sunflower seeds or sesame seeds

Preheat oven to 180 degrees C. Grease and line a slice tray (31cm x 22cm) with baking paper.

Combine coconut oil, honey, and coconut sugar in a heavy based saucepan.

Heat over medium heat, stirring for 2-3 minutes until oil melts and sugar dissolves.

Bring to the boil and cook for 2 minutes or until syrup thickens slightly. Remove from heat.

Combine remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Pour over the hot syrup and stir to combine.

Spoon into prepared pan and press firmly to make sure the mixture will stick together.

Bake in oven for 15–20 minutes or until golden. Cool and then refrigerate until well chilled, cut into 24 slices about 2cm x 6cm.

The mixture has a total of 1,1/2 cups of dried fruit — use whatever combination you prefer, eg. apple rings, cranberries, figs, raisins and prunes. Nuts can be added if you prefer.