Peanut Butter Oatmeal Squares…*
…a ‘healthy’ snack made for my parents with love
My parents mean the world to me and whenever I get the chance to see them—even for a few hours here and there—I want it to be special. I met up with them in Michigan City last weekend for a short afternoon of shopping, eating and a quick wardrobe exchange. I wanted to make them something sweet to enjoy on their ride home—something with chocolate and peanut butter that was kinda healthy.
The reason I say that is because my father is a prominent dentist and my mother is a dental hygienist turned personal trainer. Both professions are contrary to my passion and obsession with sugar, butter, and all things sweet. You’re probably wondering how this sweet tooth came to be. Well, believe it or not, my parents are both guilty of having a (very large) sweet tooth. Although, thanks to my daily habit of flossing and working out (cough cough), I am cavity free and healthy. Well, maybe not quite the second part… ;) Regardless, I thought this recipe was perfect for my chocoholic and peanut butter loving parents.
…a ‘healthy’ snack made for my parents with love
My parents mean the world to me and whenever I get the chance to see them—even for a few hours here and there—I want it to be special. I met up with them in Michigan City last weekend for a short afternoon of shopping, eating and a quick wardrobe exchange. I wanted to make them something sweet to enjoy on their ride home—something with chocolate and peanut butter that was kinda healthy.
The reason I say that is because my father is a prominent dentist and my mother is a dental hygienist turned personal trainer. Both professions are contrary to my passion and obsession with sugar, butter, and all things sweet. You’re probably wondering how this sweet tooth came to be. Well, believe it or not, my parents are both guilty of having a (very large) sweet tooth. Although, thanks to my daily habit of flossing and working out (cough cough), I am cavity free and healthy. Well, maybe not quite the second part… ;) Regardless, I thought this recipe was perfect for my chocoholic and peanut butter loving parents.
Not only did I inherit the Ellis sweet tooth, but also the ability to calculate incredibly complicated mathematic problems such as this one: Oatmeal + peanut butter + chocolate chips = healthy snack. Told ya I was a smarty pants…hehe. Now go enjoy this healthy delectable goodie before some other mathematician figures out my secret formula!
The Ingredients…*
(Recipe by How Sweet Eats)
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 cup old fashioned oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cups creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
(Recipe by How Sweet Eats)
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 cup old fashioned oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cups creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
The Instructions…*
(1) Preheat oven to 350 ° F
(2) In the bowl of an electric mixer, add peanut butter and sugar and mix on high speed until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes
(3) Add in vanilla extract and mix until combined
(1) Preheat oven to 350 ° F
(2) In the bowl of an electric mixer, add peanut butter and sugar and mix on high speed until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes
(3) Add in vanilla extract and mix until combined
(4) Add in flour, oats, salt and baking soda, mixing on medium speed (*the dough will look crumbly and you want the peanut butter mix to be broken up into clumps)
(5) Add milk with the mixer on low speed, and mix until a dough forms; Fold in chocolate chips
(5) Add milk with the mixer on low speed, and mix until a dough forms; Fold in chocolate chips
(6) When dough is completely mixed, roll it into a ball with your hands. Then, place it in the middle of an 8×8 baking dish, pressing it to fit
(7) Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until set and golden on top
(8) Let cool completely, then cut into 9 squares and enjoy :)
(8) Let cool completely, then cut into 9 squares and enjoy :)