So it's back to school time around Australia as the summer holidays draw to a close and "real life" hits us all smack, bang in the face. Back to the routines, the daily pick-up and drop-off, the need for organisation, alarms and some food planning. For most parents the lunchbox can be a challenge. It's a daily requirement that is often a sticking point especially when, at the end of each day, you open it up to find a squashed banana and a half eaten sandwich. If we don't get the lunchbox right so much food ends up being wasted (which also equals money down the drain) and our kids aren't always getting the fuel they need to learn, play and grow. Adults too often need a little something to pack for work or to munch at home. And, if you're still on a New Year's Resolution involving eating healthier, getting fitter or losing some weight they make a great sweet treat to cure those cravings without ruining all your hard work.

This is one of the easiest, fastest and most nutritious recipes ever! It's egg, gluten and nut free. They are perfect for the lunchbox and the jar at home for after school snacks. They could even be a breakkie option on the run if you like, not to mention a great way to use up your bananas if they look like they're on the way out - especially in this hot weather! The oats are low GI which means they are a great source of energy as they take longer for the body to process, keeping you fuller and fueled up for much longer than a normal bickie.

This recipe doesn’t require a Combination Steam oven. You could make them in any oven but, the good news is that you Combination Steam oven can also be your “normal” oven. That versatility allows you to cook not only with Steam but also without Steam when you need to. This is one of those times because we want to take the moisture out of the mixture and make ourselves some crunchy biscuits or cookies (depending on where you are from).

Makes: 8-10 bickies

Ingredients:
2 medium ripe bananas
2 cups rolled oats
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbs roughly chopped pumpkin or sunflower seeds (or a combination)
1/4 cup dried blueberries (optional)

Method:

1. Line your stainless steel Combi-Steam tray with baking paper. Select Hot Air/Convection.. Set the temperature to 180°C. Allow to pre-heat.

2. Mix all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl until well combined. (I use my trusty KitchenAid stand mixer with the beater attachment to do this bit!)

3. Spoon heaped dessert spoons of the mixture onto the tray and shape into "bickies" about 1cm thick with your fingers. (the kids will like to do this too!)

4. Place the tray into the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until set and golden.

5. Allow to cool completely on the trays. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days and use in lunch boxes or as a snack.

It literally could not be easier. You can play around with the recipe too adding things you and yours like...try a few tablespoons of sultanas, shredded coconut, freeze dried berries, some choc chips or even some nuts like chopped almonds or walnuts.

Give them a go in your back to school lunch boxes or your cookie jar!

Happy Combi Steaming!

Yours in the kitchen,

The CSQ. x