Banana Oat Bars

(Makes 16 bars

Time: 45 minutes)

2 large, very ripe bananas 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups rolled oats 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup pitted, chopped dried dates (raisins work well too) 1/4 cup chopped pecans, or almonds (sunflower or pumpkin seeds will work too) 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger

Preheat oven to 375ºF. Mash bananas. Add all other ingredients to the mashed bananas – mix well. Place in greased (I use either butter or grapeseed oil – both give a distinctively different taste) 9 x 13 dish, and bake for 30 minutes.

Variation:

¼ cup shredded coconut instead of chopped dates

½ cup chocolate chips instead of chopped nuts

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This past week has been rushed and busy. We all have those days when unexpected events stretch our commitments and we run late. Our planned-out day changes and we find ourselves unprepared for long hours on the go. When these days happen in our lives we tend to resort to fast food for meals, or expensive healthy snacks that are either more than we need or not enough. I don’t know about you, but I simply don’t like to spend money on fast food, or expensive snacks that are overpriced. It is a waste to spend on food that does not satisfy. Years ago I came upon this recipe, I have used it ever since. I make it often and freeze much of it to take along when working away from home. It can double for a breakfast on the go too.

#banana #oat #bars