From Paddock to Plate: Strawberry Oat Biscuits at Whyalla Learning and Experiences

At Bedford Whyalla, something truly special is growing—both in the garden and among the people who care for it. Just a short stroll from the Whyalla Learning and Experiences hub, clients have access to a thriving community garden that’s more than just a plot of soil—it’s a living classroom, a place of connection, and a hub of creativity.

Throughout the year, Learning and Experiences clients roll up their sleeves and get involved in every stage of garden care. From the early days of planning crop rotations, testing soil, and spreading mulch, through to sowing seeds, laying runners, watering, weeding, and finally harvesting their hard-earned produce, the garden is a hands-on learning space like no other. It is where seasonal change becomes a sensory experience and where hard work is rewarded with fresh, vibrant produce.

This garden-to-kitchen journey is a core part of the Whyalla program. It’s not just about gardening; it’s about life skills, confidence, independence, and discovery. For many participants, it’s their first time learning how to grow their own food. For others, it's a chance to revisit old hobbies or family traditions. And for everyone involved, it is an opportunity to create something meaningful and delicious.

One of the most exciting parts of each season is when the garden’s strawberries ripen under the South Australian sun. Bright, sweet, and full of flavour, these berries don’t just get eaten straight from the vine (although plenty do)—they are also the star ingredient in a much-loved recipe at the Whyalla hub: Healthier Strawberry & Cacao Oat Cookies.

This simple, wholesome treat has become a go-to favourite in the Learning and Experiences kitchen. Whether it’s a group baking session or a quiet morning of prepping trays and measuring ingredients, these cookies bring people together—just like the garden itself.

A few of our Learning and Experiences clients have shared their experience with us:

Cooking and baking are key parts of the Learning and Experiences program, giving clients the chance to build skills in the kitchen, follow instructions, and most importantly, take pride in the food they have made from scratch. There’s a powerful sense of ownership that comes from picking a strawberry you grew, adding it to a recipe, and sharing the finished product with your peers.

Even if you don’t have access to your own garden, you can still try this recipe at home using store-bought ingredients. It’s healthy, easy to make, and ideal for kids, families, or anyone looking for a homemade snack that’s naturally sweet and packed with goodness.

So, why not give it a try and see why the Whyalla crew can’t get enough of these blissful biccies?

Healthier Strawberry & Cacao Oat Cookies

Originally published by Fresh Ideas

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Serves: 16 cookies
Difficulty: ★★☆☆

Ingredients:

• 280g Macro organic rolled oats (set aside 25g for topping)
• 2 organic bananas, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 free-range egg
• 250g strawberries, hulled, quartered, sliced
• 2 tbsp cacao nibs

Method:

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 200°C (or 180°C fan-forced). Line two large baking trays with baking paper.

Step 2:
Place 255g of the oats in a food processor and process until very finely chopped.

Step 3:
In a medium bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add maple syrup, cinnamon, and egg. Stir to combine.

Step 4:
Add the processed oats, sliced strawberries, and half of the cacao nibs to the banana mixture. Stir well.

Step 5:
Roll 2 tablespoonfuls of the mixture into balls, then flatten slightly on the baking trays to form 5cm rounds. Sprinkle with the remaining oats and cacao nibs. Bake for 35 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool completely on the trays before serving.

📸 Check out our media gallery for snapshots of strawberry planting, fun-filled baking days, and the final plate of fresh, warm cookies ready to share.

If you are curious about how you or someone you support can get involved in Bedford Learning and Experiences, we would love to chat. Whether it’s gardening, building job-ready skills, cooking, the arts or connecting with others in a supported environment, there’s a wide range of programs for people with disability at Whyalla and our six other hubs around South Australia.

📞 Call us on 8100 2162 or 📧 email clientmanagement@bedfordgroup.com.au to find out more.