Christmas gifts: Healthy(er) Oat Bars

It's another rainy day and I'm really struggling without the sunshine right now. Not only does it make me grumpy and feel like I should spend all day in bed but it also means I have to make and photograph things before 2pm because then I have no chance of using natural light and the orange glow that comes from turning the light on is not something I want in my photos. I'm usually a winter person but this year I'm craving the summer again.

I scrolled through pinterest for ages last night trying to find a healthy alternative to all the Christmas gifts I'm making. I often forget that a lot of people won't be stuffing their face with food so I thought I'd create a few recipes that are healthier than my normal creations. I have lots planned between now and Christmas I just need to get myself organised.

You can throw anything you like into these bars. If dried fruit is your thing you can put it in but I just stuck with nuts. They'd make a nice little gift if you are heading over to someones for Christmas dinner or you could even make them on a Sunday for packed lunches.

Scroll down for the recipe.

You will need:

a tea cup (for measuring)

1 cupful of peanut butter

1/2 cup of honey

1/2 cup of coconut oil (you can use butter instead but this will increase the fat and calories)

2 cupfuls of rolled oats

1 cupful of desiccated coconut

1/2 chopped nuts

1 1/4 cupfuls of dark chocolate

In a saucepan melt the peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil or butter over medium-low heat.

Once it's melted remove from the heat and add the chocolate. Stir until combined.

Add the rest of the ingredients and stir until fully mixed and the dry mixture is covered with the chocolate.

Place into a greased square roaster (mine is from poundland).

Put in the fridge and chill until set.

Wrap up and store in an air tight container. These will keep for around a week.