Gluten free hobnobs

Hobnobs are a childhood favourite of mine which I long lamented their absence after the realisation of my intolerance. Having seen though the emergence of gluten free oats, I have had the joy of revisiting this childhood favourite. I do though have to hold back from my prior indulgences of scoffing down half a packet in one sitting accompanied by a nice cup of tea. Age does have a habit of creeping up on you even if your mind can return to childhood!

This recipe is super quick and super easy so there are no excuses for not whipping it up in the kitchen. 

Gluten free hobnobs

160g unsalted butter/dairy free margarine

15g golden syrup

125g gluten free self-raising flour

125g gluten free oats

90g soft brown sugar

1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

125g dark chocolate

Preheat an oven to 180C/fan 160C and place greaseproof paper on two baking trays. 

In a small pan over a low heat, melt the butter and golden syrup, stirring until melted and mixed. Leave to one side to cool slightly. 

Combine the flour, oats, sugar and bicarb in a mixing bowl. Make a well in the centre of the dry mixture and pour in the melted butter. Stir to combine so that all of the butter has been mixed with the flour. 

Using your hands take a tablespoon of mixture and roll into balls. Add the balls to another bowl and place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the mixture to cool down. This is important because we do not have the benefit of gluten to bind the mixture.

Once cooled, divide the balls between the two trays and lightly press the balls onto the greaseproof paper allowing enough space between the balls. 

Pop into the oven for about 20 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown. Take out of the oven to cool. 

In the meantime, melt the dark chocolate in a bowl and spoon teaspoons of chocolate on the top of each biscuit and spread. Allow to cool before popping into a biscuit tin or other airtight container. The hobnobs keep for at least a week (unless consumed beforehand) if stored in a cool dry place. 

Directions for use: Enjoy the hobnobs dunked in a cup of tea. Dunk for a moment only in the hot liquid though to avoid 'dunking collapse' or other dunking related collateral damage.