Chocolate Oat Scotchies

Chocolate Oat Scotchies

2/3 cup butter or margarine
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup plus 2/3 cup chunky peanut butter (NOT reduced fat), divided
1 tsp. vanilla
4 cups quick-cooking oats
1 package (11-1/2 oz.) milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup butterscotch chips
1 cup salted peanuts (NOT chopped)

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter; stir in brown sugar and corn syrup until the sugar is dissolved. Stir in 1/4 cup peanut butter and vanilla until blended. Add the oats; mix well.

Press into a greased 13-in.x9-in. x2-in. baking pan. Bake at 375 for 12 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, melt the chips and remaining peanut butter; stir in peanuts. Spread over crust. Refrigerate until cool; cut into bars.

YIELD: 6-1/2 dozen.

Recipe Source: Quick Cooking magazine (January/February, 2001), submitted by Stepahnie Helmke of Defiance, Ohio