Chocolate Oat Bars

I got this recipe from my mom. This is a melt in your mouth, simple recipe for bars w/ oats, chocolate & peanut butter. They are rich but so worth it! I get a craving for these and make them every other month. It says to take them to room temperature & then cut them - I think that's so they don't break as you cut them (and therefore look prettier). I think they taste great cold too so I don't always wait for them to get to room temp! Enjoy!

• Ready In: 2 hrs 15 mins
• Serves: 9-12
• Yields: 9-12 bars

Ingredients

• 3⁄4 cup butter
• 3  cups quick oats
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
• 1  cup chocolate chips
• 1⁄2 cup creamy peanut butter

Directions

1. Grease 9" square baking pan.
2. Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add sugar & vanilla; melt & mix well.
4. Stir in oats.
5. Cook over low heat 2-3 minutes until well-blended.
6. Press 1/2 of mixture evenly into pan.
7. Melt chocolate chips over low heat.
8. Mix peanut butter with melted chocolate.
9. Spread PB/chocolate mixture evenly over oat mix in pan.
10. Crumble remaining oat mix over chocolate layer. Press in gently.
11. Cover & refrigerate 2-3 hours or overnight.
12. Bring to room temperature before cutting into bars.