Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Makes 2 dozen for $3.04.

3 med.-size ripe bananas
1/3 c. peanut or safflower oil
1 tsp. vanilla
1/8 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. rolled oats
1/2 c. uncooked oat bran for creamy-style hot cereal
1 1/2 c. coarsely chopped mixed dried fruits (such as dates, apricots and raisins) or 12 oz. bag fruit bits
1/2 c. chopped walnuts or almonds

1. Preheat oven to moderate (350 degrees F.). Grease 2 large cookie sheets.

2. Mash bananas in large bowl until smooth. (You should have about 1 1/2 cups.) Stir in oil, vanilla and salt.

3. Add oats, oat bran, mixed fruits and nuts; stir well to combine.

4. Drop by rounded measuring tablespoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheets, about 1 inch apart. Flatten out slightly with back of spoon.

5. Bake in preheated moderate oven (350 degrees) for 20 to 25 minutes or until bottom and edges of cookies are lightly browned. Transfer cookies onto wire rack to cool completely. Store in refrigerator.

Note: Be sure to use the finer grain oat bran for a light texture.