All the beautiful fruits are coming out and I am having a field day adding them to my recipes. I got some fresh figs, which I love to eat au naturale, but I thought about popping them into some kind of dessert or snack, so I made these fig & oat squares. They aren’t too sweet which makes these ideal to have for a quick breakfast or like us for dessert along with a nice cup of coffee.

Just been out shopping and was hoping to find some tamarind, I still haven’t found any on this island, so I’m going to have to stock up if I see it when I visit home this summer. Who would have thought it would be so hard to find!

I almost missed my nephews 2nd birthday, I’m such a shocking aunt, it’s today and I’ll be calling him once my sister gets off the phone! It’s only due to my mother calling me today that I even remembered, I lose track of dates, I think I’m old enough now to blame my age for my forgetfulness… that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it!

Only 11 days until Bologna… the countdown has begun. I’m off to a friends fashion show tomorrow so I’ll see if there’s any bargains for me to have to take on my holiday with me, remember, I’m still in need of a Audrey Hepburn style floppy hat!

Delicious Fig & Oat Squares (Vegan & Gluten Free)

MyInspiration Feel The Difference Range

Makes 8 small squares or 4 if you’re feeling hungry – ready in 40 minutes

For the squares

2.5 cups oats

1 tsp baking powder

3 tbsp maple syrup

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup almond milk (or any other non dairy milk)

For the Filling

4 fresh figs stems chopped off

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees celcius and line a 5″ x 7″ dish with parchment

2. In a food processor (or use a stick blender) pulse 2 cups of oats (keep the other half cup to add later) into a flour like consistency, then add this to a large mixing bowl along with the remaining squares ingredients and stir to combine, it should clump together quite nicely. Set this aside.

3. Make the filling by adding 3 of the figs to a food processor and pulsing 4 – 5 times, then add in the vanilla and mix through, cut the fourth fig into 6 slices to use as a separate layer.

4. To assemble, place half the oat mixture into the lined dish and spread out so it’s even and covers the base, I just used my damp fingers to press the mixture down, then pour over the fig & vanilla mixture, top with the 6 slices of fig and then carefully spread over the other half of the oat mixture. Pop in the oven for 25 – 30 minutes, you’ll smell the oats toasting, it’s so delicious! Then it’s done. Once cooled this can be kept in the fridge for a few days.