Healthy Omega 3 Flap Jacks with Dates and Banana

Our Sacha Inchi Flap Jacks were such a hit with midwives at the Mother, Midwifery and Baby Forum 2017 #mmbforum, that after numerous requests to share this recipe I am posting it here, for all to use and share.  With no added-sugar they provide a very healthy energy-boosting treat for pregnant women, new mums, kids and busy midwives!

Thank you to Mumsnet, where I found a similar recipe, then loaded it with Omega rich Sacha Inchi Seeds which are packed with Omega 3, 6 and 9 and really high in protein.

Unfortunately Sacha Inchi Seeds are still quite difficult to buy in the UK but you can easily substitute for other Omega 3 rich sources such as Walnuts, Flax Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds or Hemp Seeds.

        Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas

• 175g dates chopped (or other sweet dried fruit)

• 80ml vegetable oil or olive oil (I used Coconut Oil, but you need to melt this first to make it runny)

• 50g of raisins

• 180g oats

• 1 tsp vanilla essence (optional)

• A small handful of Omega rich seeds or nuts, use any of the following: Chopped Sacha Inchi Seeds, Chopped Walnuts, Flax Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds (all optional)

Method

1. Mash the bananas in a large bowl or a mixer.

2. Add the chopped dates and oil to the bananas and mix together – or use a mixer

3. Stir in the oats, raisins and the vanilla essence (optional) and seeds and leave for 5 mins, so the oats absorb the oil

4. Spoon the mixture into a greased or lined baking tray and squash it down so that it is about 2 cm thick and bake at 175C/Gas Mark 5 for about 20 - 25 minutes.

5. Cut into squares whilst still hot in the pan

6. Share and enjoy with family and friends