4-Ingredient Banana Bars

If you haven't noticed lately, a lot of my recipes include things I have lying around my cabinets (like these) because I simply do not have the energy or patience to fight the massive crowds at the grocery stores. The line to Trader Joe's was out of the store the other day. I came across this recipe on The Kitchn and figured it would be a good use for my rotting ripe bananas and leftover prunes & nuts from my Christmas party. The result, a tasty treat good for breakfast on the go or to satisfy a mid-afternoon sweet craving.

Ingredients: 

2 large, very ripe bananas

2 cups rolled oats

1/4 cup pitted, chopped dried prunes (could also use dates)

1/4 cup chopped nuts (I used walnuts but could use hazelnuts or pecans)

1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)

handful of dark chocolate chips (optional)

Directions:
- Heat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.

- Peel bananas and mash until no large chunks remain. Stir in vanilla, if using, and oats. Next stir in salt, dates and nuts.

- Pat the mixture evenly into the baking pan. Sprinkle with nutmeg/cinnamon, chocolate chips, coconut or whatever else you desire. Bake for 30 minutes or until edges begin to crisp.

- Place the baking pan on a rack to cool. Once cool, cut into bars and enjoy with a glass of milk or tea.