Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

These are so quick and easy and kid friendly. I used to make these when my children were little (under three or otherwise known as the years prior to being super picky eaters). Then something happened and my kids decided these were not to their liking.

It has been at least three years since I have last made these and you know what, they were a huge hit. I changed one ingredient which seems to be the "key" to making these kid friendly...I added CHOCOLATE CHIPS. Not many, just a 1/4 cup for the entire batch. But enough to make these delectable in the eyes of the biggest critics to eating well....my kids.

Below are two recipes. I like the banana oat ones a little better....unfortunately, the dog ate the entire batch before I could snap a picture.


Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars (I shaped them like cookies which made the kids happy)

Ingredients:
2 and 2/3 cups oats
1/3 cup flax seed
1 15 oz can pumpkin
1/3 cup apple sauce
2/3 cup chopped nuts (I used sliced almonds)
1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
1/4 C Chocolate chips or raisins

2 T Maple Syrup
2 eggs

OR

Banana Oat Bars

Ingredients:
2 and 2/3 cups oats
1/3 cup flax seed
2 medium bananas, mashed well
1/3 cup apple sauce
1/2 cup dried fruit, chopped small bites ( Sub 1/4 c chocolate chips--optional)
2/3 cup chopped nuts (finely chopped cashews are nice)
1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
2 T Honey
2 eggs

Directions:
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Shape dough into bars or saucers and place on a cookie sheet, making the bars about 1/3 inch thick. Bake for 15 minutes in a 350 degree oven.

Preparation time: 10 minutes