Chocolate Glazed Oatmeal Peanut Bars

The fabulous Jeena is hosting a food and memories blogging event. I'm throwing in my trip down memory lane and corresponding recipe. Follow this link and add yours too.My sister Heidi is a healthful eater, that thinks nothing of passing up mayonnaise on her sandwich, and switching pretzels for potato chips, or ordering the side salad instead of the french fries. Except when she is pregnant. (I love it when she's pregnant.) When she is pregnant, she has a powerful hankerin' for sweets and treats. Five years ago we were both pregnant with little boys and we sunk into a delightfully destructive habit of making cupcakes, cookies, brownies, pies, and cobblers. Our ultimate favorite were these chocolate glazed oatmeal bars, given to me by my sister in law. The bottom layer is a peanut butter oatmeal cookie, topped with warm melted peanut butter, a silky layer of chocolate glaze and a quick sprinkle of oatmeal. I don't make them quite as often anymore, since I'm never quite as willing to give into my sugar cravings when I'm only eating for one. But, when I do make these cookies, I think of that fun food time with my sister Heidi in New York, two pregnant girls, making their husbands crazy and eating themselves silly. (Incidentally, it wasn't nearly as fun in the spring and we had to do weight watchers.) But even now, not at all pregnant, I still love these scrumptious bars. Especially since they remind me of my sister, the inimitable Heidi. The next time I see her, I'm making her a giant batch. (And it's not because she's pregnant.) I'll tell you why tomorrow, but it has to do with a big favor she is doing for me right now.

Chocolate Glazed Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars

Estimated Cost: $4.00

Notes: My kids beg for these but they're perfect for adults, too.

1/2 cup butter

1/3 cup peanut butter, plus more for spreading on top

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 eggs

1/4 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup flour

2 cups oatmeal-old fashioned or quick cooking

Chocolate Frosting:

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

1 cup powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, combine butter and peanut butter. Add sugars and mix well. Stir in vanilla, eggs, and milk. Stir in salt and soda, then add flour and oatmeal. Press mixture into greased 9 by 13 and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until puffed and browned. Spread hot bars with peanut butter-I usually use about 1/3 to 1/2 cup. Let sit for a few minutes while you make the frosting. In a small saucepan, combine butter and milk and heat on low heat until butter is melted. Stir in cocoa powder and powdered sugar. Pour over warm peanut butter and spread gently. Sprinkle with extra oats, if desired. Cut into bars and serve.

Coming Tomorrow:

Cucumber Towers