UK flapjacks - oat based traybake

I've tried a few times to get the hang of these. Our local baker does some superb ones, but somehow mine never turn out quite right.
Anne mentioned them here:

Anne Miller wrote:Interestingly, Flapjacks in England are made from oats and are what I would call granola bars.



https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/86854/english-flapjack/

I may have a go over the holidays. Maybe a basic one first and then some variations...

I'll add Anthony's interesting variation using Sweet cicely (Myhrris odorata) root which is definitely one for me to try. It uses a microwave fr the final cooking.

Anthony Howell wrote:
A flapjack over here (UK) is an oat based 'cake', typically made with butter, sugar and golden syrup or brown sugar. My fruity versions use white sugar and bland (sunflower/rapeseed) oil, to let the fruit flavour dominate. I also cook in a silicone tray in the microwave - cheaper for short runs.
In a pan: heat  and simmer (does't need to be for long) around 4oz each water, sugar and oil, something like half a pound sweet cicely root (and/or other flavourings - raspberry is good, Chaenomeles fruit works well with a sprig of rosemary); optional nuts for crunch, vine fruit for interest.
I then use a wide-necked measuring jug rather than a bowl: measure in 12oz porridge/rolled oats. Stir in contents of pan. I like to get a mix that holds together in one lump (hence the jug). Flop it on the tray, spread it out, use your silicone spatula to divide into portions - easier now than with a knife after cooking.
To microwave: 20 minutes at 200W per pound of mix.

Thanks so much Anthony! - so the alternative would be to bake the final tray for about 30 minutes at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) (from the recipe link above)

Nancy Reading wrote:I've tried a few times to get the hang of these. Our local baker does some superb ones, but somehow mine never turn out quite right.
Anne mentioned them here:

Anne Miller wrote:Interestingly, Flapjacks in England are made from oats and are what I would call granola bars.

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/86854/english-flapjack/

I'll add Anthony's interesting variation using Sweet cicely (Myhrris odorata) root which is definitely one for me to try. It uses a microwave fr the final cooking.

Allrecipes version implies you pour the oats into the pan - implying a large pan! Pouring the pan into the oats is more practical, per https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/flapjacks_86993