Christmas is coming! Carrot, Oat and Chocolate Bars

‘I like making my own energy bars as I know exactly what has gone into them. This is a quick recipe and the result is amazing. Adding some luscious good-quality chocolate makes them a great treat during this festive season. Once they are set, preferably the day after they are made, I cut them up into bars or squares, pack them individually and freeze them’

You will need:

1 large carrot, grated
some vanilla (essence or pod)
2 cups oats
1/2 cup dates
200g Novibloc Fondente
a pinch of salt
1/4 cup mixed chopped almonds and pistachios
a pinch of cinnamon
a grating of fresh nutmeg
a pinch of mixed spice
grated zest of a tangerine
water

Prepare a loaf tin of 23cm x 13cm lined with baking paper.

In a saucepan place the dates & grated carrot. Add 1/4 cup of water, the spices & grated citrus zest & allow the dates to break down on low heat. Add more water, a few tablespoons at a time if necessary & do not allow the mixture to dry up.

When the dates are soft & mushy turn off the heat, add the Novibloc Fondente and mix. Then add the oats & vanilla and mix until it is even & consistent.

Press down the mixture into the prepared loaf tin & use a spoon dipped in water to press it down until it is compact. Top with chopped nuts & press down again using the wet spoon.

Leave in the fridge overnight.

The next day remove from the loaf tin by pulling the baking paper out gently.

Use a sharp knife to cut into bars. They can be stored in the freezer for up to a month.

Prep Time 20mins Makes 12 small bars

Unbaked carrot coconut balls, as seen on tv

And you can use the same recipe without baking by shaping the mixture into balls and rolling them in coconut to produce these delicious Carrot and Coconut balls.

For a chance to win this amazing Christmas Novi Chocolate hamper SHARE this recipe on your social media page [facebook, instagram, twitter, pinterest or linkedin] and leave a comment below. The winner will be notified on Wednesday 19 December 2018.