Sugar Free Sesame Seed Squares

I tend to bake on a Sunday afternoon for the Shearer's lunch box. He takes fruit salad, fresh and seasonal, for lunch and keeps it minimal and light. He finds he can't bend over looking at his feet all day with a full stomach but expending energy like that all day he needs some quick replenishment. He loves to have something more substantial like a sandwich while he is driving home. Baking with dried fruit, oats, nuts and seeds etc are good fuel snacks for him.

Anzacs are a favourite and are unusual because they cook in a slow oven unlike most everything else, but I have found another recipe I can make and cook at the same time taking full advantage of the oven. Sesame seeds are high in calcium, magnesium and iron.

Slice in the tin while hot and turn out when cool.

Don't you just love this tin? My brother Paul made it at school and the thickness of the metal means it cooks really well and I love the shape.

(I think of you every time I use it Paulie. Love you x)

Sesame Seed Squares

1 1/2 cups of sesame seeds

1 1/2 cups of desiccated coconut

1/3 cup peanut paste

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup rice malt syrup (or you can use sugar)

1 teas vanilla extract

Combine all the ingredients and press evenly into a lamington tin or slice tin and bake in a slow oven (160C) for about 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cut into squares while hot and cool in the tin.

Tip- I place all the ingredients into a metal mixing bowl and pop it into the pre-heating oven for a few seconds to get the honey, syrup and paste warmed and runnier and easier to combine. I also find combining easier done with the hands rather than a spoon too.