Fruit and Nut Loaf

We all experience that afternoon slump. Its due to either our bodies natural circadian rhythm which tells us when to sleep and wake or the peaks and dips in our sugar levels due to the foods we eat. For me its generally happens after 3pm and I find myself reaching for the cookie jar or the chocolate stash, which although satisfying, is really not healthy.
A few weeks ago, I found an old recipe in my grandmother's scrapbook and I have experimented and refined it to my tastes, creating this yummy and healthy, Fruit and Nut Loaf:

This loaf is packed with healthy goodness and as a mid afternoon snack, its satisfying and filling and it refuels the body healthily, keeping me away from the chocolate or the cookies. Its loaded with nuts, dried fruits, oats, cinnamon and sweetened with manuka honey.
It's easy to make but there is a little bit of prep work i.e. soaking oats and dates and chopping the nuts and fruit. Once that's done though, its a quick mix and then into the oven for 40 minutes and it's ready.

Its a versatile recipe to have in your files and it works well with any combination of dried fruits and nuts. I like to include what I have in the pantry, so for this loaf I used walnuts and pistachios, because they are my favorite nuts at the moment and raisins, medjool dates and dried apricots. You could also use almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, dried apple, dried figs, sultanas or cranberries. Experiment with what you love and find a combination that suits your tastes.

A slice of this is delicious on its own but depending on my mood I might spread a little marmalade on top just to give it a citrus zing. A bit naughty I know and not to everyone's taste, but I do love it :)
If I'm proactive, I will pack a slice of this in my craft bag and nibble on it while I'm crocheting and waiting for Cohen to finish school. It gives me the burst I need for the next part of my day and its super yummy which is always good.

It would also be great to pack in the lunchboxes, the picnic basket or take a loaf to your next sewing get together, to keep your friends sewing the day/night away.
If you would like to try my Fruit and Nut Loaf recipe you can download it HERE or right click on the image below and save to to your computer for later.

I hope you enjoy this Fruit and Nut Loaf recipe as much as I do. It's a great loaf to have on hand and a much healthier alternative to snacking on those sweet treats when the afternoon munchies kick in. Take a slice outside and soak up the sun as you eat, to healthily refuel your body for the next part of your day.

Happy baking :)