The sun was just starting to peek through the trees as I walked sleepily up the lane towards Momma Fox's cottage for my next visit. It made dappled shadows flitter dizzily across my path, and I had to steel myself to keep walking and not apparate back the way I came. What on earth possessed me to agree to such an early interview this time I don't know. I am not a morning person and the uncaffeinated haze still sat heavily on my weary body. But here I was, trudging the now slightly familiar and snowflake speckled path once more while expecting the rabid hippogriff from my nightmares to jump out at me.
Finally knocking softly on her door, I paused and looked at my reflection. All I could hope was that the old miracle worker would take pity on me and provide a cup of dark roasted goodness for this weary and pale looking reporter. Soon enough, the door creaked open, and there was a pair of large, liquid chocolate eyes looking up at me, accompanied by a pair of quickly swivelling ears.
"Good morning Child, come in, we have.....oh dear. Whatever is the matter. You look like the Grump Fairy stole your biscuits!" she exclaimed with surprise as she gently took my arm and led me to my usual seat. I was considering how to respond when seemingly out of nowhere a cup of hot, sweet tea materialised in my hands, soothing my frayed nerves. Turning to thank the kindly witch, I stammered, "Thank you, Momma Fox. You're very kind. But it is nothing I will burden you with." Then clearing my throat to begin the interview as I sipped the tea, I asked, "So what delicacy are we making today? It will have to be something to beat that Pumpkin Spice bread we made. My roommate nearly took my hand off at the wrist when I took it home. I had to cast Tarantellegra just to get it in the house!"
Watching me keenly, the ancient old crone tottered across the kitchen and opened the enormous Pantry door. Her eyes twinkled with glee as she revealed a large basket full of what looked like grains, dried fruit and the biggest pot of syrup I've ever seen. "Well dear, this week we are going to make use of all the dried fruit I kept from my orchard last year. The new crops are coming in and I need to make room. So I'm going to show you how to make something that is perfect for Yule and will chase those silly fears from your head. Sugar is exactly what you need when you're down in the dumps." Watching her with wide eyes, I couldn't help but wonder how she knew just what this self-confessed sugar junkie needed. But then who knows? She is definitely a wise, old whisp for sure.
A quick flick of her wand later and a sheet of parchment from the folder was winging its way into my hands. Scanning the page, a warm smile creased my now happier face. "Oh! Momma Fox this is just perfect! Chocolate Orange Flapjacks sound delicious. Thank you." The sweet, festive treat sounded amazing, and I couldn't help but fidget as the mini marvel got to work.
350g whole oats
150g light brown sugar
100g dark cocoa powder
100g dried mixed fruit (Raisins, sultanas, cranberries, candied orange rind etc)
150g unsalted butter
80g golden or maple syrup
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon orange extract
Directions:
1. Preheat your muggle oven to 375°F/190°C/Gas Mark 5.
2. In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients by stirring gently 10 times anti-clockwise or using a careful application of the Permisceto mixing spell
3. Next, combine the butter, syrup and orange essence in a small cauldron and heat very gently using Thermunum, stirring continuously until the butter is melted to form a golden mixture (You can use a muggle microwave to do this in about 90 seconds).
4. Once the melted mixture is ready, pour it into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix slowly but thoroughly using Permisceto until all of the oats and fruit are evenly coated. The finished mixture should be glossy but not wet or sloppy and the bowl should be clean when the mixture is stirred.
5. Press the mixture into a buttered/well-greased baking tin with the back of a large spoon, until it is firm and does not move under the weight of your press. It should be approximately 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
6. Place into the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. It is done when it is well heated but not crispy or hard to the touch.
7. Leave it in the tin until it is completely cool and then slice it into approximately 12-15 squares to carefully remove it.
I'm sure you can guess the rest of the story by now my dear readers ...so join us next time, and we will see what other wonders Momma Fox has in store for us! - Nikita