Paradise Slice

I can’t tell you how much I’ve been craving baking. It’s a slight odd sensation, but I just haven’t been able to stop thinking about donning my apron and getting my hands covered in flour. I think it is the horrific weather outside that’s doing it.

These bars are to help counter act this. While not hot and warming like you’d expect on a cold day, I get instead a fruity summery burst to help me dream of lazy August days, hence the name paradise slice.

You will need:

250g Plain flour
40g Caster sugar
35g Light brown sugar + a little extra
175g Butter
Raspberry jam
Nutty muesli
Drizzle of maple syrup

First stir the flour and both sugars together in a bowl.

Then add the butter and rub together until a breadcrumb texture is formed.

Then start to kneed into dough until thick and fully combined.

Line a shallow tin with grease proof paper, and press the dough into the tin, until covered and firm. Then pick the surface with a fork.

Bake in a pre-heated oven at 180c for 20 minutes until golden brown.

Once baked, allow to cool fully- around another 20 minutes.

Once cooled spread the jam all over the shortbread, giving a thick even coverage.

Next sprinkle over the muesli and press lightly into the jam.

Drizzle over some maple syrup in a zig zag motion, and finely sprinkle a little brown sugar.

Under a moderate grill, allow to toast until the sugar starts to caramelise and the oats turn slightly toasty.

Once cool again, slice and serve.

Be warned, these are seriously morish, I may have already devoured 3 today. There is something about sweet, fruity jam that I just can’t resist. It’s the same with scones and cream, another summer delight- oh gosh, bring me summer soon please!

By the way, I added a little heading to the first picture- yes or no?

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