Almond and oatmeal cookies

Serves 4

A ‘good mood food’ combination is a warm milky drink with a couple of oatmeal cookies. Slow-release carbohydrate foods like oats help keep blood sugar levels even and avoid the release of stress hormones that can cause anxiety. The almonds are a good source of magnesium, which is needed by the body to help maintain normal muscle and nerve function, and to regulate blood sugar levels. This can help you relax and feel calm.

Ingredients

50g ground almonds
110g olive oil (or other unsaturated fat) spread
75g demerara sugar
1 tbsp golden syrup
110g self raising flour
110g porridge oats

Method

Pre-heat the oven to 170°C or Gas Mark 3.

Put the spread, sugar and syrup in a saucepan, place on a low heat and allow the sugar to dissolve (about 2-3 minutes).

Sift the flour into a large bowl and add the almonds and porridge oats. Add the sugar mixture and stir well to form a dough.

Divide the mixture into about 15 pieces the size of a large walnut, then roll them into rounds. Using the flat of your hand, press each piece down to form a cookie about 6cm in diameter.

Place on a baking tray and bake in the oven for 15 minutes.