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Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Bake

Good for your heart!
Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Bake
As we enter the month of February, we are suddenly surrounded by a sea of red and pink as Valentine’s day approaches.  But guess what?  Not only is February the month of love, it is also National Heart Month, a time to focus on heart health and raise awareness for cardiovascular health.

This month is a great reminder to focus of healthy choices in the kitchen, and for your family.  Whole grains, leafy greens, fish, and berries are all great to consider when choosing heart-healthy foods.

One of my personal favorite heart-healthy choices is oats!  Not only are the packed full of fiber, they are a whole-grain that keeps you fuller longer!

This Strawberry banana oatmeal bake is a delicious way to incorporate oats into our school lunches!  It’s easy to make, so have the kids help you!  I always encourage my kids to help in the kitchen to make food a bit more fun!

INGREDIENTS

3 ripe mashed bananas
1 cup chopped strawberries
2 eggs
¼ cup maple syrup
3 cups milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups oat-fashioned oats
1.5 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder

DIRECTIONS

1. Begin by mixing together your dry ingredients, oats, cinnamon, salt and baking powder.
2. Next add in your bananas, followed by your wet ingredients (eggs, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla)
3. Once all incorporated, it’s time to add in your strawberries!  Fold them in gently using a wooden spoon or spatula.
4. Transfer your mixture into a prepared baking pan.  I like to use a brownie pan, but an 8x8 or 9x9 work wonderfully too.  I also like to add some sliced strawberries on top!  Yum!
5. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 to 40 minutes. 
6. Allow to cool, then serve!

We used a cookie cutter to make ours into cute little heart shapes! 
This bake is also delicious served with milk on top like cereal!

Enjoy your month of love, and don’t forget about your heart health too!
 
Submitted by Jessica Wight, Guest Author
Find more lunchbox ideas @thekickasssinglemom

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