With the season to eat upon us I thought I'd share a yummy recipe that was lower in calories and a GREAT treat. I LOVE Skinny Taste she has the best recipes and they are ALL weight watcher friendly if you do that program. I don't but I like to use her recipes to make sure we're eating healthy. This recipe for Banana Split Bars was a real treat so good that I was eating more then the one you get for 4 points, so I sent them to my bestie's house ... lol. That is what friends are for bring treats right?
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup quinoa, rinsed well
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups quick rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1-1/2 cups very ripe mashed bananas
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup raw honey (or pure maple syrup)
- 1 tbsp virgin coconut oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cherries (or craisins)
- 1/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
Line a 9 x 13 baking pan with 2 pieces of foil or parchment paper, criss-crossing over so they fold over the pan; spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Preheat the oven to 325°F.
Combine the quinoa and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 10 to 12 minutes or until liquid is barely absorbed. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 5 to 6 minutes, remove lid and fluff with a fork. Transfer to a medium bowl and let it cool completely.
Mix together the oats, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
Add mashed bananas, egg, honey, oil and vanilla to the cooked bowl of quinoa and stir until just blended. Add the banana mixture to the oats mixture and stir until just blended. Mix in dried cherries, walnuts and chocolate chips.
Preheat the oven to 325°F.
Combine the quinoa and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 10 to 12 minutes or until liquid is barely absorbed. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 5 to 6 minutes, remove lid and fluff with a fork. Transfer to a medium bowl and let it cool completely.
Mix together the oats, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
Add mashed bananas, egg, honey, oil and vanilla to the cooked bowl of quinoa and stir until just blended. Add the banana mixture to the oats mixture and stir until just blended. Mix in dried cherries, walnuts and chocolate chips.
Spread the batter evenly over the prepared pan.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely. For best results, refrigerate 20 minutes before cutting.
Using the liner, lift the mixture from the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 16 bars and refrigerate or freeze to store.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely. For best results, refrigerate 20 minutes before cutting.
Using the liner, lift the mixture from the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 16 bars and refrigerate or freeze to store.
ALEXIS NOTES: I used Agave Nectar instead of Honey, I really like the taste of it I have the light so the calories are a little better also.
Enjoy a light treat with all these calorie filled days to come.
Thanks for Stopping by!
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quinoa, that sounds very different for cake/bar, I love WW points much better than back in the day when this stuff was a big no no.
ReplyDeleteThose definitely sound healthy!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to try these!
ReplyDelete