Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Peanut butter is such a comfort food. The thick, creamy, buttery texture makes me want to add it to everything - crackers, celery, apples ... it brings back memories of my childhood, eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on hot summer days in the park, after swim practice, or in my school lunch packed by my (wonderful) mother. 

When I stopped in a second-hand book store the other day and found an old Better Homes & Gardens cookbook, I came across this recipe. Other than the fact that I have a strong love for peanut butter, I chose this recipe because only basic baking ingredients are required, so the grocery store isn't needed for extra ingredients. 

The bars filled the room with a delicious aroma of rich, warm butter while they were baking in the oven. The end result was fantastic and was a comforting reminder of home.

Ingredients

Bars:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup peanut butter
3 tablespoons shortening
1 beaten egg
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup quick oats

Peanut Butter Frosting:
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon softened butter 
1 tablespoon peanut butter
2-3 teaspoons of milk 

Recipe

Stir together flour, sugar, baking soda, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Stir in peanut butter and shortening until mixture resembles course crumbs. Mix egg, milk, and vanilla together in a separate bowl, and add to flour mixture with oats and mix well. Spread mixture in lightly greased 8x8 baking pan, and bake at 375 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes. Let bars cool.

Meanwhile, make the peanut butter frosting: combine 3/4 cup of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of softened butter, and 1 tablespoon of peanut butter. Blend in enough milk (2 or 3 teaspoons) until frosting is of spreading consistency. Once bars are cooled, spread with peanut butter frosting and cut into bars.