Peanut Butter Banana Oat Squares

I was in the mood for something sweet but healthy. I had some bananas reaching their golden years. I was still in my pajamas and wanted to make whatever it would be from ingredients on hand. And I thought I'd go for a vegan option. Voila! Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars!

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 1/2 cup gluten-free oats (the kind that take 10-20 minutes to cook. I use Trader Joe's Rolled Oats)
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
4 tablespoons warm water
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter

Preheat the oven to 350. Combine the water and the flaxseed in a small dish and let sit for a few minutes (If you don't want to do vegan, beat an egg instead.) Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and stir until well mixed. Line a 6"x9" baking pan (or some other pan that's on the small size - 8"X8" would probably work) with parchment paper (we've become big fans of the parchment paper lately -- no stick, less oil) or lightly grease the pan with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the oat mixture into the pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, untill lightly brown on the edges. Lift the food out of the pan by its parchment paper and let it cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars and enjoy!

Makes 12 squares.

Alterations that might be fun:

Substitue in a different kind of nut or seed butter, or use chunky peanut butter, or add ground nuts
Add in a half a cup of chocolate, butterscotch or vanilla chips. Not as healthy, but really tasty, I bet!