As I’m sat here those long awaited rays of summer are starting to burst through our windows. And this weekend it’s meant to be pushing 23 degrees here…let me tell you, my mood is ready for it. I'm going to have a picnic this weekend, by an actual river so it's the perfect opportunity to crack out my favourite leftover 'stuff' recipe. This one is particularly handy if you have small children as it takes those little bits you might have hanging around in your kitchen and mixes them into

a) a fun activity

b) something that appears healthy

c) your new favourite picnic treat

 I wrap these up in greaseproof paper tie with string and take them out on picnics. But you can also  eat them in your pyjamas or pop them in a biscuit tin and nibble away at tiny corners of them every time you make a cup of tea

You can use any berries or combinations of nuts-seeds-fruits you like, or have in the cupboard. I always include marshmallows because they are strong currency around here and sometimes I like to drizzle these bars with melted white chocolate- for an extra chocolate boost. If you want to do the same, you will need about 100g white chocolate. 

 Ingredients (but feel free to get loose with it)

370g porridge oats

100g butter

200g marshmallows (any of our flavours)

3 tablespoons honey

100g of dark or milk chocolate easter egg bits

200g dried fruit, nuts, pumpkin seeds (or whatever you have in the cupboard)


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Preheat oven to 170C and lightly grease a 20cm baking dish with butter.

Spread oats evenly over a large baking tray and pop in the oven for 8-10 minutes until lightly browned.

In a large mixing bowl, add the toasted oats, fruit, nuts, chocolate and set aside.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey and marshmallows and melt down over a gentle heat – stirring constantly.

Pour the melted marshmallow and honey into all the dry ingredients and mix through thoroughly.

Press the mixture into the prepared baking tray and bake for 30 minutes.

Allow to cool completely in the tray before removing and cutting into bars. You can drizzle chocolate over them before serving up.