Dr. Fuhrman's Yummy Banana-Oat Bars

I'm always looking for ways to use over-ripe bananas. I got the smoothies, breads, cakes, waffles/pancakes, muffins, milkshakes, all that covered. It's been done so many times. So when I came across this recipe from Dr. Fuhrman's book I knew it was something I had to try. I generally have all this stuff in my pantry and for the very little effort it takes to make I couldn't help trying it out. You can go to his recipe page and look at this and other sample recipes. Most are very easy to make and use fruits or vegetables.


Dr. Fuhrman's Yummy Banana-Oat Bars

2 cups quick oats (not instant)
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup raisins or chopped dates
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 large ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (optional)
1 tablespoon date sugar (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix ingredients together in a large bowl. Press dough in a 9"X 9" baking pan (sprayed with cooking spray) and bake for 30 minutes. Cool on wire rack. When cool, slice into squares or bars and serve.

Now his recipe is fine and good but there is no way I'm eating raisins or dates.* I substituted dried cranberries. I also prefer pecans to walnuts. Since all the applesauce I have is regular (sweetened) I did not add the date sugar, which I didn't have anyhow. These bars were made in a pie plate because it's what I have and I kind of like the idea of cutting them into triangles. Also these bars are surprisingly filling so they make a perfect take along for a long hike or bike ride. Or in my recent experience between errands.















*I'll eat them in cookies or cereal but that's all.