Having a back-up store bought slice or cake in the cupboard can be great when unexpected guests drop in or when you've forgotten about that morning tea at work tomorrow and it's already 10pm! Of course, for those amongst us who aren't bakers, shop bought treats are more essential.
Not just any shop bought treats though. So often the store varieties have a long list of nasty ingredients or are so fluffy that they seem to be made of nothing. Not the sort of thing you want to serve up to someone for a special afternoon tea.
I stumbled across these Springhill Pantry slices at my local IGA last week and can't rave about them enough! They are made by a family owned company near Ballarat in Victoria and contain all natural ingredients. I must admit that the fact they were on special lured me into buying them, even though I didn't have any need for more sweets.
I bought one of each of the three flavours and still can't work out which is my favourite!
The Apricot, Apple and Hazelnut Slice is full of chunks of dried apple, apricot, coconut and whole roasted hazelnuts. A healthy dose of oats and chia seeds makes it more of a muesli slice. Not only is it great cut into squares, you can also crumble it up for an instant topping on poached fruit, layer with berries and yogurt for a breakfast trifle or stuff apples with the mix before you roast them. This slice was dense and solid without being heavy. Great as a lunch box filler too.
The Raspberry and Almond Slice is richer and more soft in texture. The dried raspberries add some tartness to quite a sweet slice and the almonds add crunch. This one is definitely more indulgent. Again, the Raspberry and Almond slice is delicious on it's own, but you could also make it into a dessert by warming slightly and serving with a beautiful vanilla bean or fresh raspberry ice-cream. It would also be great served with some thick custard on a cold winter's night. Yum!
The last flavour in the range is the adults only Chocolate Brownie with Crimson Raisins. Nothing actually makes this adults only, but it's so rich and decadent that you wouldn't want to share it with the kids! Made like a proper brownie with couverture chocolate, cocoa and the juiciest raisins, it is just a delight to eat. Being so rich, a little bit goes a long way, so a small square or slice is enough. Feel like being even more indulgent? Serve little squares with a dollop of cream and fresh raspberries or warm in the oven with a rich chocolate ganache or sauce and serve with vanilla ice-cream. Your waist line might not thank you, but your tastebuds will!
At $12 each, the Springhill Pantry range is not cheap, but when you taste them and look at the quality of the ingredients, they are definitely worth it. They also come in large 350g packets so you do end up getting quite a few serves. Sure, you probably aren't going to pop them in your trolley every week, but for a special occasion, then why not?
Look out for them at your local supermarket. I'm sure you'll be as impressed with them as I was.
Put that kettle on and enjoy!
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