Brilliant No-Bake Breakfast Bars

Ingredients

1 heaped cup of pitted dates

1/4 cup maple syrup or honey

1/4 cup smooth natural peanut butter or almond butter

1 cup roasted unsalted almonds (or you can use raw almonds if you prefer)

1 1/2 cups rolled oats

Method

1. Put the dates into a food processor and whizz until the dates are in small pieces (but not smooth). If you don't have a food processor, chop them into small pieces.

2. Grab a large mixing bowl and add the oats, almonds and chopped dates.

3. Put the maple syrup (or honey) into a saucepan with the peanut butter. Warm gently over a low heat and stir the contents until they are combined. 

4. Pour the syrup/peanut butter mixture over the oats, almonds and dates. Mix thoroughly, breaking up the dates to make sure they spread evenly through the mixture.

5. Transfer to a baking dish or tray lined with plastic wrap or baking paper and spread the mixture so it fills the container.

6. Cover with a piece of baking paper or plastic wrap and press down firmly with the back of a large spoon, or the bottom of a glass, to really pack the mixture so it holds together well.

7. Pop into the freezer for 15-20 minutes to firm up. 

8. Remove the mixture from the baking dish and slice into bars or squares.

9. You can wrap each individually and keep them in the fridge or freezer to grab and go!

You can also customise the ingredients to suit your taste. If you don't fancy almonds, try macadamias or pistachios (or anything you like). You could also add cranberries or choc chips - anything goes!