Apple-oatmeal crisp slices

Apple-oatmeal crisp slices are a perfect winter snack. Wrap them up and take them to work or to school. Since they are made with simple ingredients, such as apples, rolled oats, cinnamon, nuts, banana and honey, they belong to the category of healthy snacks. They are great to satisfy that small hunger between meals.

Apples and cinnamon make a great couple. They pair wonderfully, especially for the holiday season. In fact, cinnamon is one of the smells of Christmas and the apple one of the fruits. Baking is almost a must. Isn’t it? The smell around the house is simply jolly. Wink.

However, I bake all year round. But somehow, I bake more often in winter months. I think it’s the cold weather that makes me crave for baked goods. Wink. We spend more time at home, too. This can also be the reason. Hmm. Anyway, when baking either cakes or snacks, I like to include fruits. And apple is the easiest choice, always available at your local store or maybe on your apple tree in the garden. He he he.

Moreover, you can decide between any apple you like most. Crunchy apples are my favourites. Also, I decided to grate the apples and to keep the peel on. However, you can dice them and also peel them, if you want. On the one hand grating the apple is really fast and easy, on the other hand dicing it will give more structure to the oatmeal slices. Also, if you are looking for a more fancy apple “pie”, check out this beautiful and delicious apple-rose tart. You’ll fall in love with it. Wink.

Rolled oats are amazing. In fact, you can use them in plenty of ways. Beside muesli or porridge with fruits (which is the most obvious use), I love to make savoury muesli as well.

Another way, how I like the oats, is with a sunny side up egg, sauteed peppers, onions and some cheese on top. Simply lovely! Hmm, maybe it sounds strange to someone out there, but I can assure you, it tastes amazing. But make sure you check this savoury carrot-quinoa muesli recipe with fresh herbs. Yummy!

Banana? Yes, banana is a great egg substitute. Perfect for vegans and for whoever is allergic to eggs. It mainly serves as binder and moisture. It keeps all of the ingredients together and it adds its flavour. As a result, it complements wonderfully the apple-oatmeal slices. Yes!

And, what should never be missing in a desert or a snack? A crunch, of course! I combined hazelnuts, pinenuts and shaved almonds. If you sprinkle shaved almonds on top before baking, you’ll get an even crispier crust. Delicious.

Ingredients for around 9 apple-oatmeal crisp slices (baking form 20×25 cm):

• 2 small apples (grated)
• 80 g nuts (hazelnuts, pinenuts, shaved almonds)
• half a banana (mashed)
• 20 g butter (melted)
• 90 g rolled oats
• 2 tsp of cinnamon
• 1 drop of vanilla extract
• 1 tsp of honey
• a pinch of salt

To begin, preheat the oven at 180º C, wash and grate the apples, mash the banana (with a fork), melt the butter and coarsely chop the nuts. In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, apples, nuts, banana, cinnamon, butter, vanilla, salt and honey. Stir, using a wooden or silicone spatula, until it all comes together.

Furthermore, line a baking form (20×25 cm) with parchment paper and lightly grease it with some butter. Then, put the mixture in the baking form, spreading it evenly by lightly pressing it down. At this point, you can sprinkle with some extra shaved almonds or any other nuts on top. Put to bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Take the baking form out of the oven and remove the apple-oatmeal “cake” (together with the parchment paper) out of it. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes.

Finally, slice it into 5 cm large squares or triangles. Serve these apple-oatmeal crisp slices with a lovely cup of tea or any other wintery drink. I think it would pair great with this warm winter-spiced pear cocktail (hmm, I have to make an apple variation).

Enjoy!