A Healthy . . . & "yummy" Banana Bar Recipe!

We all start the New Year with several resolutions, the most universal are probably . . . eat better, get a bit more sleep, and exercise regularly.

Well, my partners and I here at Lavish Three can't really assist with sleep and exercise, but eating better . . . well we can try by posting a healthy recipe now and then!

This month, "banana-date-walnut-oat" bars are our favorite recipe! I named them that because there are a lot of recipes out there for this bar, but this one is my favorite because I added my two favorites, dates and walnuts! Just four simple ingredients for a healthy and yummy treat-on-the -go . . . 

Ingredients:  4 very ripe bananas, 3 cups of dry oats, 1 1/2 cups of chopped dates, 1 1/4 cups of chopped walnuts  ~  that's it!

Simple as:  Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, smash up bananas with the back of a fork or potato masher. Grind half of the oats (1 1/2 cups), add to bananas along with the other half of the whole oats. Mix well. Add chopped dates and walnuts, mix well. The dough will be a bit "tacky" ~ add more oats if you want a bit denser. Drop by the spoonful onto parchment paper and form into either a bar or cookie-like patties. Place in oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes or so and ENJOY!  

Feel free to substitute a few of my ingredients for a few of yours ~ raisins, pecans, even chocolate chips!

A healthy, yummy . . . and a simple go-to-snack!

 * bonus  ~ they freeze well so go ahead & bake a few batches!

Here's to a healthy dose of lavish love,

Laurel