R is for Ruby slice

This week's blog post is both A-Z baking challenge & a tribute to my Great Aunty Ruby. This was one of her recipes (hence the name) & as it happens, it's also the name of my cat!  

You'll be wondering what this slice actually is - so think along the lines of a thin flapjack. Ruby slice is a little bit chewy yet light & crumbly & it's full of rolled oaty, walnuty, coconuty, golden syrupy goodness (how's that for a description...?).

It's ridiculously simple & easy to make, which is always a bonus!  Best enjoyed with a strong cup of tea.

Ingredients

1/2 cup sugar

4 oz butter (113 grams)

2 tablespoons golden syrup

1/2 cup plain flour

1 cup coconut

1 cup rolled oats

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

2 oz chopped walnuts (56 grams)

What to do...

1. Pre-heat your oven to 160C static or 140C fanbake.
2. Prepare a slice tin which measures approx 27 x 18 cm with a depth of around 3.5cm  - spray lightly with cooking spray & then line with non-stick baking paper.  Make sure the baking paper is nice & snug against the sides & corners of the tin.
3. Grab a medium saucepan & into it goes the sugar, butter & golden syrup.  Heat gently & stir until everything has melted.  Don't let it come to a simmer or boil - you only need to melt the butter & sugar together - so it won't take long.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat.  Add the remaining ingredients & mix well until everything is combined.
5. Tip the mixture into your slice tin & with a dessert spoon, even it out & then pat it all down firmly against the sides, making sure that it's nice & level on the top.
6. Place in the oven for 15 mins.  Depending on your oven - you might want to rotate part way through to ensure that the slice cooks evenly & comes out a light golden brown. My Nana's tip: don't let the slice get too brown!  
7. Remove from the oven & set aside to cool slightly in the tin.  Another tip from my Nana is that the slice is easiest to cut into pieces when it's still warm from the oven. 

Enjoy x