Toasted Oats, Peanut Butter, and Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

My morning today was all about back to school!  Made coffee the night before, set everything for 6 a.m., got Emma up and rolling and we were off!   Once back home in the quiet and peaceful house, I settled in at the desk to check my emails, foodbuzz, blogs, etc.   On foodbuzz I noted a great blog post from Erin at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts; the Hershey's Double Peanut Butter Bar.   What a great idea - so I ran into the kitchen but ended up making modifications for a slightly different After School Snack!   Check out Erin's food blog at www.dinnersdishesanddesserts.com for more of her wonderful recipes and thanks for the inspiration!

Toasted Oats, Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Ingredients:

• 1/2 C butter, softened
• 1 C crunchy peanut butter
• 1 C brown sugar, packed
• 3 eggs
• 1 T molasses
• 1 t vanilla
• 2 1/4 C flour
• 1 C rolled oats, toasted
• 2 t baking powder
• 1 t salt
• 1 1/2 C chocolate chips

Directions:   Preheat oven to 350 degrees.   Grease a 13x9 inch baking pan.   Toast oats in a saute pan over medium heat and set aside.   Mix butter and peanut butter in a large mixing bowl until combined.   Add sugar, mixing well.   Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each one then add molasses and vanilla.   Sift together flour, baking powder and salt and stir into wet peanut butter mixture.   Add toasted oats and chocolate chips and mix well.

Spread batter into greased baking pan evenly and bake for about 22 minutes.   Cool, then cut into desired sizes.