Nutty banana oat bars

I have a very disobedient toddler. Not of the regular variety, but of the fluffy, four legged variety. Our puppy Maggie bites, barks, jumps and generally does everything she is not supposed to do. Sometimes she is really good (mainly when she is asleep), however most of the time she is hanging off our leg whilst we try to walk down the hallway, stealing my socks whilst trying to pack my gym bag, or barking at us to get up at 6am. On a Sunday.

Despite being a right pain at home, Maggie always seems to be on her best behavior when we step out of the house. She prances along (Im not joking – she literally prances along the street) and lately has started picking up flowers in her mouth as she prances along (still not joking!)

This attracts a lot of comments from passers by – “Oh, isnt your dog beautiful! So cute and well behaved” She laps up the attention and I grit my teeth and think “you should try and do your laundry when she is around!”

But for the most part, we love her, and are trying our best to train her and break her naughty habits. We have “sit” down pat, hopefully the rest will follow…

These nutty banana oat bars came about one morning out of an experiment trying to make muesli (or granola) bars to get my through the day after being woken up very early one Sunday. The end product turned out quite differently, but after receiving a big thumbs up by my two taste testers – and myself – I thought I best share anyway. These are soft and chewy – almost with a (raw) banana cake flavour and texture. They would make great additions to a child (or adults) packed lunch, or to enjoy with a mid-morning cuppa.

Nutty banana oat bars

Dry mix
1 Cup mixed nuts
1/2 Cup shredded coconut

Wet mix
2 ripe bananas
3 dates
3 Tbsp coconut oil

1 Cup rolled oats
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Extra chopped nuts and coconuts

Add the dry ingredients to food processor and process until ground (how much depends on personal preference – I like mine not too processed so that theres still some nut chunks in there).

Add to a bowl and mix in oats and cinnamon.

Add the wet ingredients to the blender and mix until smooth and combined.

Add wet mixture to dry mixture and mix well. Pour into a loaf pan and press down. Top with extra chopped nuts and coconut. Place in freezer or fridge to set.

Makes 12 – 14 bars