This Wednesday I found myself enjoying a sophisticated 'glamping' breakfast in the middle of an oat field in the Cheshire countryside with farmer Hartley and the guys from Mornflake Oats, swiftly followed by a fascinating tour of the mill and factory in Crewe, to illustrate the amazing journey of the humble yet exceedingly nutritious oat from 'seed' to 'bowl'. 

 

Packed with low GI, slow-release carbohydrate, protein, B vitamins, vitamin E, fiber and minerals, including iron and calcium, to sustain energy levels as well as help maintain concentration, and a good digestive system, oats are in fact so healthy that they were used as a main staple during the second world war to sustain the troops. 

 

This energy bar recipe is an excellent treat to help sustain you through the busy summer holidays. Crammed with fruit, nuts and seeds, these incredibly tasty bars keep well in an airtight container for several days. Flapjacks are often stuffed with refined sugar and golden syrup. These bars use condensed milk and peanut butter as a binder instead of butter and syrup. For those with peanut allergies, use almond or cashew butter as an alternative.