… I wanted to avoid commenting on global events because I like to keep this blog nice and light but I feel that these past few months and in particular these last couple of weeks have been so unbearably retched that I couldn’t help put my two-pennies worth in and I think we’re all feeling that, what with the deeply tragic events in Orlando followed by the dreadful murder of MP Jo Cox and this awful referendum for the EU that us UK citizens are being subjected to which quite frankly has created an atmosphere of hostility, the world can feel like a pretty confusing place… There is one small silver lining and that is I feel us bloggers are united in the way we defy, in fact utterly ignore, the usual boarders between not only countries but also race and creed and sexuality and all the other ridiculous things that get in the way when it comes to politics and belief. I don’t need a passport or a visa to read your blog and to feel like i’m part of your lives and a wider community… and of course you don’t need any permissions to read mine. I’m also more than happy for you to have an opinion but it seems that because we’re all reasonable people we don’t get too much abuse, or it’s very rare when it does come. Of course you can get swept away by the social media vitriol if you’re not careful. I tend not to read those dreadful Facebook strings of comments by people who are clearly one or two many braincells away from human to be part of humanity…
… and so i’m glad of my community without boarders… i’m glad we’re united by food and i’m glad for banoffee flapjacks…
banoffee flapjacks
these little beauties were made for the local village church fundraising event. Our local church of St John the Baptist is a very small but beautiful little church. Built in the early 13th Century it is a very basic building but retains some lovely old features such as a priests doorway and decorated piscina. It was rebuilt in 1862 and is officially a Grade II listed building… it has a little steeple with bells that ring for weddings ad high holy days. It’s a very calming place and even though i’m not a religious person I often come and sit on the bench outside and let the calm wash over me. We’re holding a little fundraising and awareness event this Saturday for which I am baking cakes… how i’ve never come across or thought of these amazing flapjacks before I have no idea because they are sublimely divine! Made up of what is probably the best flavour combination ever, that of toffee and banana, they are sweet and sticky and chewy and rich and well… just bake them and see for yourself…
175g butter
125g dark brown sugar
125g soft light brown sugar
3 tablespoons golden syrup
3 tablespoons honey
1 medium banana – halved lengthways and sliced
250g jumbo oats
50g ground almonds
pre-heat the oven to 180C and lightly oil a traybake tin – I used a classic Swiss Roll tin.
weigh the oats and almonds and put them into a large bowl and stir in the fresh cut banana ensuring they are evenly dispersed
melt the butter, sugar and syrup and honey in a pan and then once melted take it off the heat and pour over the oats and banana and stir well
pour into the baking tin and bake for 20-25 mins until golden
cool on a wire rack but cut them into squares whilst they’re still a little warm.
eat and of course, enjoy!
You are so right Dom, it's been a terrible time. You forgot to mention the dreadful Donald Trump as well, that is a disaster waiting to happen. I feel I have a much more diverse group of friends through blogging than I would ever encounter in real life and feel much richer for that. The flapjacks look divine XXX
Looks delicious! I must give these a go -maybe with some vanilla ice cream.
Well said Dom – I feel exactly the same and I can't get the idea of those two little children growing up without their mother out of my head……these look FAB though and have cheered my up no end! Here's to a united Europe and world!
ahh yes, the evil Mr Trump… makes me sick. Thanks for the comment x
thank you – yes, delicious with vanilla ice cream!
Thanks karen, glad to add a little cheer to your day!
Yes, well said Dom and Karen!
You can always rely on cake (or flapjacks) to cheer things up! These sound delicious.
Dom your flapjacks sound lovely but your well written sentiment brought tears to my eyes. You are absolutely right and I am grateful for my virtual friends from all over the world. Our country is in a mess all the time, and there's nothing I can do about any of it. 🙁 Hope you have a wonderful weekend in your little corner of heaven!
Thank you Dom. I try to keep politics from my blog too, but its hard and its seeps through. I am born and bred British, I am of visible minority background and am subjected to racism and have always detested all forms of discrimination. I love your 'I don't need a passport or a visa to read your blog and to feel like i'm part of your lives and a wider community… and of course you don't need any permissions to read mine'. Thank you.
Well said Dom! And yes…. hooray for banoffee flapjacks. They look perfectly gooey and delicious x
I agree, the last few weeks seeing the news has been pretty shocking, if not horrifying. I am on the hand very glad to be part of a wonderful blogging world, where all we need is good food and it doesn't matter where you are, where you are from just bring a plate!
The flapjacks look gorgeously golden! Do you think I could sub the honey for maple syrup?
Great sentiments Dom. The most important question now is, should I #remain in the kitchen and eat another flapjack or two or #leave them for the kids tomorrow ?! I've totally tweaked your recipe to use up some odds and ends from the cupboards but they were still absolutely gorgeous – I linked back to your original recipe in my blogpost (http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot.com/2016/07/madhouse-recipe-banana-coconut-flapjacks.html)
Very well put Dom. Fancy standing as PM? And your flapjacks sound divine. I hope they realised a heap of money.