Plum Breakfast Bar for One

This little treat is substantial enough to keep you happy all day. It’s not terribly sweet despite the dates and banana, and get this—you can make it gluten-free, and it’s just as happy a plate of wonderful.

¼ cup whole wheat flour (spelt or almond flour would do just as nicely)

¼ cup oats

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch baking powder

Pinch salt

1 or 2 (depending on their size) dates, chopped

Slosh vanilla extract

1/3 ripe banana

4 teaspoons non-dairy milk (I like almond)

½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar

2 fresh plums, pitted and sliced thinly

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 5-inch baking pan. I used an oval casserole.

1. In a small bowl. Combine the flour, oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Mix them well.
2. Using a blender or food processor, whirl the dates, vanilla extract, banana, milk, and vinegar for a bit. It will be a little lumpy.
3. Add the date mixture to the flour mixture and combine it well.
4. Plop the batter into the bottom of your baking pan and spread it out, making the surface flat. Arrange the plum slices artfully on top.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before pulling it out of the pan and slicing it. It has just the right amount of chew to go with your cuppa.

Variations:

• Leave off the plums and add dried thyme to the dough instead of cinnamon, and top it with olives for a savory version.