Apricot and Cardamom Flapjacks

Method

• step 1

  Preheat the oven to 170 degrees C (150 degrees C fan) and line the base of a non-stick 23cm square tin.

• step 2

  Melt the butter, sugar and syrup very gently in a large, heavy-bottomed pan until the sugar crystals have dissolved - 5 minutes or so. Then take the pan off the heat.

• step 3

  Meanwhile, crush the cardamom pods and remove the husks. Grind the seeds into a powder and add this to the pan along with the chopped dried apricots. Let everything soak and infuse for a few minutes before pouring in the oats. Give the mixture a good stir to coat the oats evenly.

• step 4

  Pour the warm, syrupy oats into the brownie tin and press down firmly with the back of a spoon.

• step 5

  Bake in the oven for 15 to 20 mins. The flapjacks are ready when the surface is light and golden and the edges are just starting to brown. Don't be tempted to overcook them as they will lose that essential chewiness.

• step 6

  Let cool completely before turning out and cutting into squares with a sharp knife.