Flap jacks...the clean way!

So I have an incredibly sweet tooth and up to about couple of months ago I was following the Paleo way of eating (please note that I don't refer to it a diet).  it was just a way of eating I tended to follow 80% of the time (which, yes did help me lose a significant amount of weight). I'd basically cut out sugar (except honey, molasses and maple syrup) processed food, potatoes, wheat, grains, dairy (unless raw) and bread. My diet consisted of lots of fruit, vegetables, meat and nuts. I’ll explain in a later post why I'm currently back on wheat. While eating the Paleo way, one of my dearest and closest friends (Kat) and I wanted to still have our cake and eat it...so we started making Paleo cakes and treats. We were soon selling cakes to one of our local pubs and just enjoyed the baking. Now I have left Brighton, I really do miss her and miss all my friends that I left behind. Making a Paleo treat brings back the fond memories Kat and I spent in the kitchen coming up with some very successful recipes and some diabolical disasters. 

Today I had a chocolate cookie which I must admit, it was bloody awesome! Seeming that I'm not a naturally skinny Minnie, I really don't want to find myself getting into daily naughty habits. So following my cookie and my brownie the day before, I decided I was going to make some Paleo flapjacks. 

At least if I'm having treat that's high in calories I want it to be good and nourishing for me and my family...well my son and I...Ian doesn't do things that contain nuts in them! He prefers the processed stuff full of real sugar... In fact when Kat and I would make a cake we would be extremely chuffed if it passed the 'Ian test'

To make these awesome coconutty flapjacks you will need the following:- 

• 300g desiccated coconut
• 200g ground almonds
• 340g of honey *
• 1 tsp of vanilla essence 
• 1 tsp of baking powder 
• 1 egg (whisked) 
• Dried fruit (optional)

Mix the whole lot together really well (I use my hands) and place in a lined baking tray. Put in a preheated 160 degree oven for about 20 minutes. 

 If it starts looking a bit overdone cover it in foil and return to the oven. After 20 minutes remove from the oven and allow it to cool and set. Once cooled, they should feel firm to the touch. 

Next cut yourself a slice (or 2) and enjoy! 

Store in a airtight container for about 3-4 days if it lasts that long! 

These beauties are wheat free, the sugar used is honey and full of goodness! Enjoy!

If you are interested in finding out more about the Paleo diet, send me an e-mail.  I have included some links below that you may find interesting.  I also have a Paleo board on my Pinterest which you can have a look at.

http://robbwolf.com/what-is-the-paleo-diet/

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2010/10/04/the-beginners-guide-to-the-paleo-diet/

Please remember if you are going to follow a certain way of eating, you may need to speak to your doctor first and remember to do lots of research about it! As with any diet it has it's pros and cons.

Love,
Minoushe xx

*you can substitute the honey for agave if you wish.