Oaty Date slices

These oaty date slices are perfect with a brew after returning from the frantic streets packed with Christmas shoppers, it a satisfying bake and fairly healthy due to the wholesome filling and the fact that it contains oats. Once baked it keeps well in an airtight tin and ideal served as part of a packed lunch or as suggested with tea or coffee.

What you need

• 200g plain flour
• 200g rolled oats
• 75g granulated sugar
• 150g melted butter or vegetable margarine (if you wish to make vegan)
• 250g stoned dates, roughly chopped
• 100ml apple juice
• Generous splash of lemon juice

What you do

• Oil spray an oblong tin approx 4" by 10" 
• Pre heat the oven to 180c
• Mix the oats, flour, sugar and melted butter in a large bowl to make a soft crumbly dough, if needed add a few drops of water to help bind
• Press half of the oat /flour mixture into the prepared tin
• To make the filling , cook the chopped dates in the apple juice and lemon juice in a small pan until you have a sticky soft filling
• Allow the filling to cool slightly then spread the filling on the base
• Top off the filling with the rest of the dough, press down firmly
• Bake for 25-30 minutes
• Remove from the oven when slightly golden and cool fully in the tin before cutting into generous slices.