There was a time I would never be without at least dried apricots in my pantry. With only one child being a ‘normal’ eater, I hardly ever cook with sultanas, dried apricots or any other dried fruit anymore. I thought I’d stock the pantry with them again and see if I couldn’t disguise them in some way in order to get my daughter to try something new.

I thought better of it and decided to make something just for me (and the boy). Something that was simple and easy to throw together while the oven was on. These are the kind of slices my Mum used to throw together all the time. While you’re getting the other ingredients out of the pantry, chop the fruit and cover with hot water until it plumps up. Strain and mix with the dry ingredients and melted butter, press in the baking pan and bake. Easy as. I got this recipe from Lady Flo Bjelke-Petersen’s cookbook, “Classic Country Collection”. One of my favourites and full of good, old fashioned wholesome recipes.

A perfect one for the lunch box or with a cuppa. I think I may have tweaked my fussy daughter’s interest with the smell that came out of the oven but she wouldn’t taste it. Her loss.

Apricot & Date Slice
(from “Classic Country Collection” by Lady Flo Bjelke-Petersen)

• 250gm dried apricots, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup dates, finely chopped
• 2 cups self raising flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• 3/4 cup coconut
• 175gm butter, melted

1. Cover chopped apricots and dates with hot water for 30 mins.
2. Strain and add other ingredients.
3. Mix well and press into 28x18cm slice tin.
4. Bake in 175 deg C (375 deg F) oven until golden.
5. Slice and serve or ice with your favourite icing.