Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars

 I don’t make bars like this often – but the peanut butter idea – I couldn’t resist.  It was hard to not fight over licking the bowl with the peanut butter-condensed milk mixture.  My husband who is not a chocolate fan would like them made without the chocolate next time – well…. maybe.

I used parchment paper to line the pan instead of greasing it…otherwise I made it as written.  Cut them while they are still a little warm.  Don't over-bake - check them at 25 minutes. These freeze very well - I was surprised we could keep them long enough to try freezing.                

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars

  14       Ounces  Sweetened Condensed Milk

     1/3   Cup  Peanut Butter -- (2 1/3 ounces)

  2         Cups  Oatmeal -- quick cooking (6 ounces)

  1         Cup  Flour, All-purpose -- (4 1/2 ounces)

  1         Cup  Brown Sugar -- firmly packed (8 ounces)

     1/2   Cup  Butter -- 1 stick

     1/2   Cup  Peanuts -- salted, finely chopped (1/4 ounces)

     1/4   Cup  Butter -- melted (1/2 stick)

  6         Ounces  Chocolate Chips -- Semisweet (1 cup)                      

Heat oven to 350°.  In small bowl combine milk and peanut butter; mix well. Set aside.

In large bowl, stir together oats, flour and brown sugar; cut in 1/2 cup butter until crumbly.  Press HALF of mixture (2 cups or 11 ounces) into greased 13 x 9" baking pan.

Add peanuts and 1/4 cup melted butter to remaining crumb mixture; mix well.

Pour peanut butter mixture over crumbs in pan; sprinkle with chocolate chips.  Cover with remaining crumb mixture; press lightly.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until light golden brown. Cut in 36 bars. (Don't over-bake)

2011 Cost:  $4.75 or 14¢ each

  "Land O Lakes Comfort Food "

Per Serving: 163 Calories; 9g Fat (46.4% calories from fat); 3g Protein; 19g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 14mg Cholesterol; 67mg Sodium.  Exchanges: 1/2 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 1 1/2 Fat; 1 Other Carbohydrates.