Peanut Butter and Jelly Flapjack | Gluten, Dairy Free and Vegan

Gluten Free, Dairy Free and Vegan! Meet the latest bake I've been dying to share with you guys. A little spin on the classic pairing of Peanut Butter and Jelly. Wanting something to bake in between preparing the Sunday Roast I stumbled across a simple three ingredient flapjack on Deliciously Ella's Instagram Page (for reference, I also subscribe to her App, buy her products and own the recipe books). 

At first I was a little apprehensive how just three ingredients would provide the buttery texture, a traditional oat flapjack must boast. Armed with an alarming supersized tub of Pip & Nut peanut butter, I decided to persevere and give it a whirl. Ella's recipe originally uses Date Syrup, however whilst my kitchen cupboards are fit to burst, this is one ingredient I do not have. Swapping for Maple Syrup, Golden Syrup or Honey works just as well. 

To add a little twist to the recipe and discovering a fresh jar of Blackcurrant preserve whilst locating the Maple Syrup, I decided to sandwich a layer for a sweet surprise, just incase the bars weren't moreish enough. I then decided to make them a little extra with a smooth layer or dark chocolate, finished with a dash of pink Himalayan salt and coconut, which is undeniably, a match made in heaven.

Ingredients -

180g Gluten Free Porridge Oats 

160g Smooth Peanut Butter (I used Pip and Nut)

130g Maple/Golden Syrup - Either will work

A few spoons of Jam (I used Blackcurrant, as this is my favourite)

75g Dark Chocolate (I used Lindt Dark with Sea Salt - again, my absolute favourite)

Sprinkling of Desiccated Coconut 

Method -

In a saucepan, gently simmer your peanut butter and syrup until both are combined smoothly. 

Now, remove from the heat and stir your oats into the molten mixture. 

In a lined loaf tin, add half your oat mixture, before smoothing out and pressing firmly down. Then add your spoonfuls of jam, before topping with the other half of your oat mixture before smoothing and packing down gently. 

Then you're ready to bake for around 12-15 minutes at 180C. Once your oats look slightly golden, around the edges, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly in the tin.

Once your flapjack has cooled down considerably, melt your chocolate. When melted, pour over and smooth with a flat knife. Next, sprinkle over desiccated coconut and a pinch of salt. 

Place into the fridge, to leave it to set. Once set, slice into bars and you have yourself the perfect snack OR grab and go breakfast.

I'd love to hear what you've been baking? I can't wait to start baking more seasonal themed treats. With the weather being miserable, there's no better way to spend lockdown than, in a warm kitchen, Christmas tunes blasting out & winter spices filling the air. Lucy xx

Chocolate Chip Muffins with Creative Nature | Gluten + Dairy Free

There's no better way to spend a lazy Sunday than with a spot of baking. Last weekend I decided to give the Creative Nature Chocolate Chip Muffin Mix a go, I'd had it lying around for a few weeks after spotting them whilst out of town. Since picking up the mix, I've noticed them appear in Sainsbury's and Aldi locally, typical. Creative Nature pride themselves on creating products that are healthy and tasty, using the highest quality of ingredients, all whilst being Gluten, Dairy, Nut and Sweetener Free. They're actually free from 14 Allergens. I've been a fond fan of their snack bars (mainly the Goji) - renamed as the Bursting Berry Blend Oatie Bar for a few years.

With 8 mixes to pick from (online), in-store there were only three, I'd opted for the Chocolate Chip Muffin Mix, growing up if I were to have a cheat baking day with Mum, it would always be the Green's Chocolate Muffin Kit. If Chocolate Chip Muffins aren't your jam, there's banana bread, pancakes, carrot, corn bread, chia + mulberry muffins, brownie and chocolate cake mixes to opt for instead. All mixes have easy to follow steps, with little extra ingredients needed. They also come with two sets of instructions, if you prefer to make them completely vegan, over just using dairy alternatives. Whilst my diet is dairy + gluten free, I still include eggs. 

To whip up your batch of chocolate chip muffins, simply add 100g of dairy free spread, 2 eggs, 2 tbsp of water and a splash of vanilla extract. Once mixed together, spoon into 7 Muffin Cases and Bake for 20-25 minutes at 180C. You'll know they're done when they're delightfully golden and your family scoff the lot - I say family, Dad definitely ended up having them in his lunch box every day. That cheeky grin when he spotted one had been smuggled into his box each day...

Now, the Muffin Mix didn't create muffins quite like the nostalgic Green's Muffin Mix, however Creative Natures Mixes are definitely the best FREE FROM mixes I've used - especially for my non-allergen Dad to love them so much. The ingredients in the mixes, again like their other products are of high-quality with the use of Brown Rice Flour, Unrefined Cane Sugar, Flaxseed, Coconut Oil and Himalayan Salt. I opted to throw in some leftover Blueberries and Cinnamon, to make the muffins a little extra and seasonal. 

You could easily add extra chocolate or some coconut flakes. I like that the mixes make a smaller amount, to ensure the goods are eaten whilst they'e at their best. At £3.99, they're worth picking up if you're looking for a quick, allergy free bake though I'll most likely wait until they're on offer again.

If you've tried any of the Creative Nature Baking Mixes I'd love to hear your recommendations. I know lots love the banana bread mix - if we can face anymore Banana Bread Baking, in Lock Down 2.0...

Lucy xx

Five Books to Read in Lock Down 2.0 | Lucyy Writes

Since my last blog post where I shared five books I'd recently enjoyed reading, I've struggled to find time to read or feel inclined to read. With good ole Boris taking us into Lock Down 2.0, being one reason I have more time on my hands, I'm determined to use the time wisely, by creating more time for myself and tackle the ever growing pile of books. If you're looking for a new book to fill your time, I've selected a mix of fiction, non-fiction as well as a couple fit for Children to settle down with.

Open, Why Asking for Help Can Save Your Life - Frankie Bridge

As we enter our second Lock Down, there's no book I'd recommend more than Open by Frankie Bridge. I pre-ordered this, having always looked up to Frankie - for her honesty and support for Mental Health. Throughout the book, I could relate to so much of Frankie's struggles and experiences over the years. Despite tackling difficult topics, the book remains positive and shares how passionate Frankie is for everyone to open up, to get the support they need. A firm reminder, that you are not the only one out there to feel the way you do. To experience the hardships you may have, or are going through. I read this within a day, unable to put it down - before passing onto my Mum, who again read it just as quickly.

Love Frankie - Jacqueline Wilson

Who else grew up reading every Jacqueline Wilson book? Even at the age of 26 I'll still keep an eye out for her new releases. Whilst food shopping, I noticed Love Frankie had been released. Needing something to ease me back into reading, I grabbed and finished over a weekend. Targeted at older readers, Love Frankie sees Jacqueline tackle teenage difficulties such as divorced parents, fighting siblings, school bullies and her Mum diagnosed with MS. However on top of this Frankie has fallen in love with her best friend. Surprisingly, Jacqueline has chosen to tackle same-sex relationships for the first time, with Frankie falling for Sally. I honestly think it's a brilliant idea, to not only tackle first-love but Frankie's confusion of her sexuality too.

Fletcher and The Falling Leaves - Julia Rawlinson*

I was recently sent a copy of Fletcher and The Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson*, the autumn tale of a charming children's book series, featuring a dear fox named Fletcher. The story focuses on Fletchers concern as leaves start to fall from his favourite tree. Each page shares Fletchers curiosity and misunderstanding of thinking something is drastically wrong as nature transitions from late autumn to early winter. Both adult and child will enjoy gathering around this beautifully illustrated picture book, as the evenings draw in to learn about the changing seasons upon us. This book really is truly special, reminding me of 'The Seasons in Fern Hollow' I cherished, throughout my childhood.

The New Girl - Nicola Davies*

As I write this blog post, it's World Mental Health Day. Whilst this may be another children's picture book, I couldn't not share this extraordinary tale. The New Girl tackles a multitude of issues, from bullying, diversity, acceptance and friendships. The teaming of simple wording and beautiful illustrations creates a heartwarming tale, that every child whether returning to school after their extended break OR making their first step into education can learn from. We start off in a hostile classroom, with a young girl being excluded for being different before attitudes towards her transform as she gains a voice, acceptance and friendship.

A Mrs Miracle Christmas - Debbie Macomber

If you're in the search for a festive read Debbie Macomber is your go to author, her festive novels never disappoint. Last year I grabbed a copy of A Mrs Miracle Christmas, the latest in the Mrs Miracle series from Debbie - of which have been adapted into films, usually shown on Christmas 24 and Channel 5 each year. I've lost count how many times I've watched the films growing up, always surprised only myself and family know of them. In the latest tale, Mrs Miracle arrives at the door of couple Laurel and Zach who have been praying for a baby. They're also carers for Laurel's Grandmother, Helen. Debbie teams miracles, magic and emotion for the perfect cosy, Christmas read.

Comment below or find me on Instagram, to share your recommendations on what I should read next.