Pear, Cinnamon and Almond Oat Bars – Perfect for Mums x

Here’s a surefire way of gaining yourself a few extra brownie points this Mother’s Day  - treat your Mum to a little something homemade ya’ll!

(or make for yourself and snuffle up greedliy)

These crunchy, crumbly treats are a doddle to make, and the absolute perfect addition to a nice cup of tea. Don’t be scared by the tinned pears, they melt into the sweet oat mixture and make the whole thing chewy and fragrant.

I have added an ingredient to the bars called bienmesabe, which is a paste made from ground almonds, sugar, honey, egg yolks and lemon zest.

It’s made in here in Gran Canaria, in the mountain village of Tejeda. It’s tooth achingly sweet and naughty, wonderful dolloped over ice-cream or spread thickly on fresh country bread – it probably makes your teeth fall out too, but I’m addicted.

You can pick it up in any supermarket in the Canary islands or via this online supplier.

Or, of course just leave it out, they are fab regardless.

What you need…

• 200g plain flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Bicarbonate of soda
• 200g soft brown sugar
• 140 g porridge oats
• 1 x 400g tin of pears, sliced
• 200g cold butter, diced
• 3 tablespoons Bienmesabe
• 1 1/2  teaspoon of cinamon
• 20 x20cm square cake tin (or similar) grease the sides and lay baking paper on the bottom

What you do…

Preheat your oven to 180°C/Gas Mark

Sift the flour and bicarbonate of soda into a large bowl.

Now add the sugar, oats and salt and mix in well.

Add the diced butter and rub in until the mixture until it starts to clump up. As you can see from the photo I had a few helpers at this stage!

Now simply pour half of the mixture into the baking pan, and press it down firmly with your hands until it’s spread out evenly.

Arrange the sliced pear haphazardly over the mixture and sprinkle over the cinnamon.

And dollop over the bienmesabe, if you’ve got some, pretty jar huh?

Now sprinkle over the remaining oaty mixture and press down gently.

Now pop into the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp.

Leave to cool in the tin, then cut into squares and serve with a lovely cup of tea, or as my children prefer a cold glass of milk!

Or, to propel you into the Mother’s Day hall of fame, wrap gently in baking paper, add a pretty pink ribbon and give to a very special Mummy! x

Tags: baking, bienmesabe, breakfast, cinnamon, Mother's Day Baking, Mother's Day Gift, oats