Pink Lady apple, raspberry and almond energy bar

Fabulously light, gluten free and with virtually no saturated fat, Pink Lady apple energy bars are packed with wholesome calories to supercharge your run. So simple, basically just eggs, almonds and sugar, these bars have a 3:1 carbohydrate to protein ratio, the ratio used by many elite sportsmen and women to feed their muscles and provide sustained energy. Loaded with cholesterol-reducing omega-3 fats, vitamins C, E and minerals such as magnesium and potassium, these deceptively nutritious bars also work as an effective post-run recovery treat to replace the nutrients lost through sweat.

Makes 12 bars

Ingredients

4 large free range eggs
120g unrefined caster sugar
½tsp ground cinnamon
Zest of ½ small orange
190g ground almonds
24 frozen raspberries (don’t defrost)
1 Pink Lady apple, unpeeled, cored and sliced thinly
1tsp apricot jam to glaze

Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C/Gas Mark 4. Grease the tray bake tin. If possible, use an individual tray bake tin that makes 12 miniature tray bakes. If you don’t have one, use 12 silicone muffin cases or an 8”/20cm loose-bottomed cake tin.

Separate the yolks from the whites of the eggs. Place the yolks into one bowl and, in a separate bowl, the whites of just three of the eggs, reserving the last egg white for the glaze.

Using an electric whisk, whisk the three egg whites until they form soft peaks, then set aside.

Take the bowl with the egg yolks and add the sugar, cinnamon and orange zest.  Whisk until pale and creamy. Then stir in the ground almonds. The mixture will be quite stiff.

Using a metal spoon, gently fold in the egg whites, a little at a time, until completely combined.

Spoon the mixture into your baking tray. Press one or two frozen raspberries down into each bar and then lay a couple of Pink Lady apple slices on top, pressing the white edge down into the mixture to show off the lovely blush of the apple skin.

Cook in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

In a small bowl or cup, mix together a teaspoon of jam with a teaspoon of the remaining egg white. Using a pastry brush, carefully paint each bar with this mixture to produce a glossy finish. Leave in the tin until completely cool.

For more delicious recipes check out www.pinkladyapples.co.uk