EASY BANANA OAT BARS

EASY BANANA OAT BARS image

Number Of Ingredients 8

Makes one 9x9-inch pan.
2 large, very ripe bananas
1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/4 cup pitted, chopped dried dates
1/4 cup chopped nuts - such as walnuts, hazelnuts or pecans
Grated nutmeg or cinnamon (optional)

Steps:

Heat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x9-inch square baking dish with olive oil or butter. Peel the bananas and mash their flesh in a medium mixing bowl. Mash very thoroughly until no large chunks remain; the bananas should be essentially liquid. (You will have between 1 cup and 1 1/4 cup.) Stir in the vanilla, if using. Add the oats and stir them in. Stir in the salt, dates, and nuts. Pat the thick mixture evenly into the baking pan. If desired, sprinkle the top lightly with nutmeg or cinnamon. Bake for 30 minutes or unti the edges just begin to crisp up. Place the baking pan on a rack to cool. When the pan is mostly cool, cut into bars and enjoy with a glass of milk or tea.