Backpacker Bars

Here is another recipe that I found on the www.bettycrocker.com website. It is different from the other recipe posted on Zaar. "These versatile bars are at home in lots of places. Try one for a quick energy boost, a brown-bag treat, an after-school snack or anytime--it's just plain good!"

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 24
• Yields: 24 bars

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups  Golden Grahams cereal
• 3⁄4 cup granulated sugar
• 3⁄4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3⁄4 cup butter, softened (or margarine, softened)
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 2  eggs
• 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3⁄4 cup quick-cooking oats (or old-fashioned oats)
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1  cup peanuts, chopped
• 1  cup  semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2  tablespoons quick-cooking oats (or old-fashioned oats)

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350ºF. Crush cereal. Mix sugars, butter, vanilla and eggs in large bowl. Stir in flour, cereal, 3/4 cup oats, the baking soda, baking powder and salt. Stir in 3/4 cup of the peanuts and 2/3 cup of the chocolate chips.
2. Spread in ungreased rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup peanuts, remaining 1/3 cup chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons oats.
3. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely, about 1 hour.