Honey, Figs and Brie on Warm Walnut Bread

Eating between meals is fine as long as you pick a healthy snack like this one, combining baked brie, Manuka honey, figs and walnut bread in a successful marriage of savoury and sweet.

Although brie doesn’t qualify as an everyday healthy snack because it is high in fat, it is a great source of calcium – essential for healthy bones – and protein, which we need to build and repair body tissue. Although you can use ordinary honey, Manuka honey is renowned for its health benefits. It’s made in New Zealand, where the bees collect nectar from Manuka bushes. ‘Active’ varieties of Manuka honey are said to have antibacterial qualities which can help heal wounds, fight gum disease, aid digestion and relieve sore throats. The walnut bread is an excellent source of protein and good fats – omega 3 fatty acids – which help to lower cholesterol, as well as the antioxidant vitamin E, B vitamins and magnesium, thanks to the walnuts in the bread. And the figs are a good source of fibre, which helps the digestive system, and potassium which helps to lower blood pressure.