PEANUTTY OATMEAL CANDY BARS

Adapted from: Page 43-44 of Taste of Home “Brownies and Bars”

Yields 2 dozen

3 cups quick- cooking oats (or 3 ¼ cups old fashioned oats)

½  packed brown sugar (original called for 1 cup)

2/3 cup butter, melted

½ cup plus 2/3 cup peanut butter, divided

½ cup light corn syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 package (11 ounces) peanut butter chips (original called for butterscotch chips)

1 cup milk chocolate chips

1 cup chopped salted peanuts

½ cup Reese’s Pieces – optional topping

1.       In a large bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, butter, ½ cup peanut butter, corn syrup and vanilla.  Press into a greased 13 – inch. X 9-inch baking pan.  Bake at 375 degrees for 12-14 minutes or until the mixture is bubbly around the edges.

2.       In a microwave-safe bowl, melt peanut butter chip and chocolate chips; stir until smooth.  Sir in peanuts and remaining peanut butter; spread over the oat mixture.  Optional – top with Reese’s Pieces.  Cool for 10 minutes; chill until set.