Speaking of ugly, it's tough to find a pretty snack. Healthy ones are scarce to be found and especially scarce at any organized kid-tivity. But, they're often just as important as meals because they keep a toddler/preschool body going until the next meal, maintain an even blood sugar, ward off sugar cravings and keep a person (me) sane. They also provide a lovely few moments to get some dinner prep. done. So, hooray for snacks! I love them. But, can they be healthy and fast too?
Enter today's creation: a re-do of a Whole Foods Market recipe "Yummy Banana Oat Bars".
Verdict: If this food was fuel, it would be rated as just plain regular. This will get you where you want to go without any extra frills. Until you frost it...
Yummier Banana Oat Bars
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
1/2 cup raisins or chopped dates
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 LARGE (take this seriously, no shrimpy bananas allowed in this one) ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (they say it's optional, I tried it and liked it)
1/4 tsp cardamom or cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
Topping:
1/2 brick (4 oz) cream or yogurt cheese
1 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla
cinnamon (sprinkled on top to make it pretty)
Preheat oven to 350F. Mix all ingredients for the bars together in a large bowl. Press into a 9x9 baking pan and bake for 30 minutes. Spread topping on the bars while they are still warm. Cool on a wire rack. When cool, slice and serve.
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