Peanut Butter Oat Bars

Every time these are brought to a party or gathering, they are the first to go. Everyone loves them, no doubt about it. These are the yummiest and easiest no bake bars, you might as well double the recipe. You can make them very quickly and thoroughly enjoy them. But be warned: the oatmeal can and will burn. It happened to me when I was making some this past week, it wasn't pretty. Just keep a close eye on what you are doing.

Serves around 2 dozen

-1 stick of butter plus 5 tbs
-1/2 cup packed brown sugar

-1 teaspoon vanilla extract

-3 cups oatmeal

-1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

-1/2 cup peanut butter

-coconut (optional)

1.) Grease a 9x9 or similar sized pan.

2.) Melt butter in a large sauce pan over medium heat. Carefully stir in the brown sugar so the butter doesn't splash up at you and then add the vanilla. Mix in the oats and cook for 2-3 minutes, constantly stir to prevent burning. Press down half of the mixture in the greased pan.

3.) Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter in a double boiler or a saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning. When thoroughly melted, pour over the oatmeal in the pan. (If you used chunky peanut butter, be aware that those chunks aren't unmelted chocolate chips!).

4.) Put the remaining oatmeal over the top of the chocolate and press gently. You could also put coconut before adding the top layer of oatmeal, if you wanted. Refrigerate 2-3 hours or overnight. Freeze for 1/2-1 hour. Bring to room temperature before cutting.

Enjoy :)