Joe Bars (Chocolate Granola Bars)

These granola bars are attributed to "Joe", a trail guide and vet at the Wintergreen resort (or so my faded, printed recipe tells me). In any case, I cannot claim this recipe to be my own, but it is a keeper. I have a batch of these Joe Bars ready at all times (and they freeze well too).

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 24

Ingredients

• 5 1⁄4 cups  regular oatmeal (not instant)
• 1 1⁄2 cups chunky peanut butter
• 3⁄4 cup brown sugar
• 1  cup  softened butter (unsalted is better)
• 1⁄2 cup corn syrup
• 1 1⁄2 cups chocolate chips
• 2  eggs

• Optional add-ins

• 1  cup raisins
• 1  cup sunflower seeds

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix all ingredients together (no need for an electric mixer; mix by hand).
3. Press into a 9x13 pan.
4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
5. Cut into bars while slightly warm.