Oatmeal Chocolate Bars

This recipe is similar to the traditional O'Henry bars that you and I grew up loving. I decided to try it because the chocolate layer is inbetween the oats, making it more portable and less messy. I was actually able to put one in a baggie and send it in a cold lunch with my daughter on a field trip and not have to worry about chocolate smearing all over the plastic nor her fingers. Next time I make O'Henry bars I'm going to use this idea because I like the flavor of the O'Henry's better than this, but these are ok too!

1 1/2 sticks butter
3/4 c brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 c quick cooking oats
1 c semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 c peanut butter


Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and vanilla. Mix in the oats. Cook over medium-low heat 3 minutes. Press half of mixture into the bottom of a 9X9 inch prepared pan. Reserve the other half for topping. Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter in a small bowl in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Pour the chocolate mixture over the oats in the pan, and spread evenly. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate layer, press gently. Chill until set. Cut into bars.