Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

We are (hopefully) nearing the end of yet another cold snap here in South Western Ontario - bring on the snow, I enjoy snow - but this bone chilling cold is defeating.  It's too cold for skiing and outdoor skating, too cold for little puppy dogs to go for walks, too cold to do anything - definitely hibernation time.

I was just waiting for this kind of inspiration to come along, but it had to be the type of inspiration that didn't require a trip to the store - because it is just too dang cold to leave the house unless it's absolutely necessary.  And for those of you that know me, you know it's cold when even I won't go to elaborate lengths to satisfy a peanut butter and chocolate craving.

These peanut butter oatmeal bars have a soft centre and a crispy top - bake for a few minutes longer if you want a crisper bar.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
slightly adapted from Love and Olive Oil 

1 1/8 cups flour, sifted

1 1/4 cups oats

1/4 plus 1/8 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 plus 1/8 cups unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup natural peanut butter

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup M&M's or chocolate chips

Grease a 8x8 or 9x9 inch pan. 

Melt butter on stovetop or in microwave.  Set aside to cool slightly. 

Combine flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium sized bowl.
Mix together sugar, peanut butter, cooled butter in a large bowl.  Beat in egg.  Add vanilla. 

Mix in the flour mixture and M&Ms or chocolate chips. Turn into the pan and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 25 minutes.   Let cool before removing from pan. 

Check out Lindsay's blog for more delicious recipe ideas: http://www.loveandoliveoil.com/