Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Bars

For the jam:

1. Add strawberries and maple syrup to a saucepan on medium heat.
2. Heat until the berries begin to liquid, about 10 minutes.
3. Bring to a boil and cook for an additional 5 -10 minutes stirring occasionally until berries begin to thicken and become more
4. Use a spoon to mash them a little.
5. Stir in the vanilla and cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and allow the jam to cool for about 20-30 minutes to thicken it even more.

For the bars:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Line an 8 x 8 baking dish with parchment paper
3. Place 1 cup of oats in a food processor (or blender) and pulse for 1 minute or until they look like flour.
4. Transfer the oat flour to a large mixing bowl, and add the remaining 1 cup of oatmeal and baking powder and mix well
5. Add the mashed bananas, maple syrup, cinnamon and vanilla extract.
6. Mix thoroughly to combine.
7. Transfer ½ of the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press the mixture into the corners and flatten with the back of a spoon.
8. Spoon the jam over the oat mixture and spread evenly with a spoon or spatula. Spread to within about ¼ inch of the oatmeal mixture so the edge of the the jam doesn't burn.
9. Spoon the remaining oatmeal mixture on top of the jam in big spoonfuls. Then spread the spoonfuls out lightly.
10. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top turns a light golden brown.
11. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in pan before cutting into bars.
12. Optional - use ¾ cup all-natural store bought jam if you want to skip making your own.