Fruited Lowfat Oatmeal Bars

These oatmeal bars are sweetened mostly with fruit (and a little sugar). The fats are healthy and moderate, so these bars can be enjoyed by anyone likes to enjoy some "healthy" carbohydrates. I enjoy them with a cappuccino for my mid-day snack! If you don't have a 7x11 baking pan, you can use a 9x9 square pan.

• Ready In: 37 mins
• Serves: 18
• Yields: 18 squares

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup banana, ripe, mashed (measure after mashing)
• 1⁄3 cup canola oil
• 1  egg white
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1  tablespoon maple syrup
• 2  cups quick-cooking oatmeal
• 1  cup flour (can use half whole-wheat if desired)
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon, if that's what you have in the pantry)
• 2⁄3 cup  dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, cherries, etc.)
•  optional - 1/4 c. pecans, chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325. Spray 7x11 or 9x9 pan with non-stick spray.
2. Mix wet ingredients (first 5 in list).
3. Mix dry ingredients (oatmeal through spice) in a large bowl.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, adding in remaining fruits and optional nuts as you gently mix everything together.
5. Pat into prepared baking pan.
6. Bake 325 for 22-24 minutes for a glass pan. Note - Aluminum pans may take a bit longer than the time listed for a glass pan.
7. Makes 18 squares (9x9 pan makes 16 squares).