Florentine Slice (Bars)

An easy slice from 'Super Food Ideas' July 2007. I haven't tried this slice yet- but plan to substitute the plain flour for a blended gluten-free flour to make this slice gluten-free diet suitable

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 32
• Yields: 32 slice pieces/bars

Ingredients

• 375  g  mixed dried fruit
• 125  g  slivered almonds
• 200  g  glace cherries, finely chopped
• 1⁄4 cup plain flour or 1⁄4 cup  gluten-free plain flour
• 150  g butter
• 1⁄2 cup honey
• 1  egg, lightly beaten
• 200  g dark chocolate, use a good quality chocolate (check gluten-free if required for diet)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 170°C Grease a 3 cm deep, 18cm x 28 cm(base) slab pan. Line the pan with baking paper.
2. Add the flour to a large mixing bowl, whisk to aerate.
3. Add the combined dried fruit, almons and cherries. Stir.
4. In a small saucepan, combine the butter and honey. Stir over a low heat. Cook, stirring for 3 to 4 minutes or until the butter melts. (this step can be done in the microwave if wished). Allow the butter to cool slightly.
5. Add the butter mixture and the beaten egg to the fruit mixture. Mix until well combined.
6. Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth over the surface.
7. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside in the pan to cool completely.
8. Melt the chocolate and stir until smooth.
9. Spread the melted chocolate over the cooled slice.
10. Set the slice aside for 2 hours or until the chocolate has set.
11. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours before cutting and serving.
12. Makes 32 pieces.