Banana Oatmeal Bars

Several weekends ago, while Zach was still in Texas, I visited Whole Foods with the express intention of not purchasing anything, but rather to simply wander, museum style, appreciating all of the inspiration surrounding me. Naturally, I did wind up bringing home a bag of organic arugula and a bottle of vegan tofu-Caesar dressing, but I was pleased to note that I somehow managed to be much more economical about impulse purchases than if I had entered with a purposeful shopping list in hand. Most importantly, too, I did gather abundant inspiration, including a beautifully healthful recipe for banana bars without any added sweeteners! I adapted the recipe this weekend, and Zach concluded, with a mischievous smile, after polishing off three servings, that he "didn't like these bars one bit..." A few moments later, he observed that "perhaps you should make another batch, just so, you know, I could give them another try..." I do believe this recipe will become a regular in our home!

Banana Oatmeal Bars

2 large ripe bananas
2 cups oatmeal
1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
1/4 cup applesauce
1 cup dark chocolate chunks (I used an 80% cacao bar of chocolate, and coarsely chopped it with a chef's knife to make 1 cup of chocolate chunks)
1 pinch of sea salt

~ Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat an 8X8 baking pan with cooking spray.
~ Mash the bananas with a fork.
~ Stir in the oatmeal, coconut, and applesauce.
~ Fold in the chocolate chunks.
~ Press the mixture into the baking dish, and bake for 30 min - until lightly browned on top. Allow the bars to cool, then slice and serve!