Double Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Bars

Chocolate and peanut butter, as we all know, is the best combination on this planet. Say what you wish- pumpkin and chocolate, chocolate and berries, mint and chocolate… Peanut butter and chocolate is where it's at yo.

 A few weeks ago, I had this ingenious idea of developing a recipe involving the two. I shan't say more, because it'll be showing up in your inbox soon enough. And we wouldn't want to give a secret away, now would we? No sir-reeeeeeeee.

I was planning on whipping up so-said-secret-recipe today. But turns out, I didn't have everything I needed. SOOO on to Plan B I went. Sorry dearest Plan A, but I'm pretty sure Plan B turned out better than you every will. Just sayin'.

As I was searching every possible nook and cranny in the kitchen for a recipe to play off of, I found a recipe on a Crisco label for "Irresistible Peanut Butter Cookies". Well… Don't mind if I do. 

Today's recipe tastes pretty dang close to a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. The cookie base is just how I like 'em- soft, buttery, chewy, and full of flavor. Then of course I amped it up with some chocolate chunks- both dark and milk for some variety. And as if they could't get any better, some salted peanuts for a little crunch. 

Everything's better with a little crunch!

Yup. Feel free to quote me on that. 

Also… I feel the need to warn you about something. These beauties are weirdly addicting. I'm pretty sure that I ate about half of the pan! HA. HA. HA. You think I'm joking, don't you? I wish I was. It seemed like every time I took a picture, I ended up taking a bite… I took about 20 pictures, so do the math. ;) 

After eating these all afternoon, it was a good thing that I was planning on going for a run with friends. Whenever they said "Let's stop!" I kept trudging on saying, in between tired breaths, "NO! I must… keep… going! I ate… too… many… GOSH. DANG. COOKIES!!!" They didn't care. And I left them behind in the dust. 

The end. 

You probably want cookies now, right? Sorry. 

Double Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Bars

1/2 c. butter, softened

3/4 c. creamy peanut butter

1 1/4 c. white sugar

3 tbsp. milk

1 tbsp. vanilla

1 egg

1 3/4 c. flour

3/4 tsp. baking soda

1/4 c. dark chocolate chunks

1/2 c. milk chocolate chunks

1/2 c. salted peanuts

Heat oven to 375ºF. In a large bowl, cream the butter, peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Add in the flour and baking soda. Stir until combined. Once smooth, fold in the peanuts and chocolate chunks. Press the dough into a greased 9x9 in. pan. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. If desired, sprinkle with an additional 1/4 c. chocolate chunks after they've been removed from the oven. Let cool before cutting into squares. BEST SERVED COLD!!

Oatmeal Apple Crumb Bars

Ok. So I know everyone in the States is experiencing fall right now. Like leggings, UGGS, apple orchards, and pumpkin spice latte weather. Y'all have no idea how lucky you are! If anyone wants to figure out a way to send all that in a care package {including the apple orchard}, just let me know. Thanks much. Anyways! Given that apples are pretty much the ONLY fall flavor I can get my paws on here, I figured I'd supply you guys with a few fall-like recipes. 

For the base of these bars I used my favorite oatmeal raisin cookie recipe {minus the raisins}, and then everything else was pretty easy to throw together. The apple layer is just sliced up apples coated in a little bit of flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The nutmeg gives it a little kick and really screams "FALL!" Then for the crumble topping, I, well… Made an average crumble topping- butter, sugar, flour, and another little dash of cinnamon. I can't get enough of the stuff! 

And there ya have it! A perfect quick, easy, and delicious fall recipe! 

When I made these last weekend, I packaged them up in two different containers. One to bring for my friends and one to leave at home. Honestly, they just kinda disappeared. I saw my friends going back for seconds and even thirds! I'd say that's a good sign ;) 

That afternoon we watched the Vow and then went swimming. Have you guys seen that movie yet? So stinking adorable, I could hardly stand it. Everyone was looking at me throughout the movie to see if I was like hyperventilating or what, because when I watch chick flicks, I make weird squeaky noises. I know, I'm weird. I actually read the book {written by the real people} awhile back, and found that the movie was actually quite different although a lot of things still stayed the same. I'd totally suggest reading the book!

Anyways. I'm sure you want the recipe now, don't you? 

Oatmeal Apple Crumb Bars

Oatmeal Cookie Base: For the base, I used my favorite oatmeal raisin cookies dough, minus the raisins, and then pressed it into a greased 9x9 pan. You could use any oatmeal cookie recipe though.

Apple Layer: 

3 medium-sized  apples 

1/4 c. flour

1 tbsp. sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon 

1/2 tsp. nutmeg {feel free to amp up the nutmeg, if you wish!}

Thinly slice the apples. In a bowl, combine the apples with the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss until evenly coated. Spread evenly on top of the oatmeal layer. 

Crumble Layer: 

1/3 c. butter, melted

1/4 c. sugar

1 c. flour

dash of cinnamon 

Combine all ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly on top of the apple layer. Bake at 400ºF for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool before slicing.

{no-bake} homemade fruit & nut energy bars

Awhile ago, a recipe fro homemade Cliff Bars popped in my inbox from Brown Eyed Baker and I thought to myself "Genius. Just genius." I've been looking for some new, healthier recipes for breakfasts, snacks, and pre-run fuel. 

These energy bars fit the bill. They're loaded with grains, nuts, and fruit. They'll fill ya right up, boost your energy, and cure your case of the Sweet Tooth. There's so many different variations you could come up with, my mind is spinning. 

{no-bake} homemade fruit & nut energy bars

3 tbsp. dried cranberries

3 tbsp. chopped dried apricots

3 tbsp. chopped dried kiwi

3 tbsp. chopped pitted dates

2 tbsp. pumpkin seeds

1 c. puffy rice cereal {I used the African equivalent of Rice Krispies or Cheerios}

1 1/2 c. oats

1/2 c. honey

1 mashed banana

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cereal, oats, nuts, and dried frit. Add in the honey and mashed banana. Press the mixture into a 8x8 pan lined with parchment paper. Press another piece of parchment paper on top and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight. Once the bars have firmed up in the refrigerator, remove from the pan, cut into squares, and wrap individually with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator. 

Fudgey Brownies with Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Frosting

I know, I know, I know I haven't posted a recipe in a LONG time. But these fudgey brownies topped off with the gooiest cream cheese peanut butter frosting should make everything okay in the world. 

Yesterday afternoon, I had some friends over to play games, and then we ended up watching Tangled and drinking Coke Zero out of wine glasses. Good times :) The brownie recipe is one of my favorites on my blog. They're super quick and easy, and don't require very many ingredients. And the frosting is so stinking smooth and gooey and delicious. You guys will love these! Promise. 

Fudgey Brownies with Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Frosting 


For the brownies, I used this recipe. 

For the frosting:

1 c. cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 c. creamy peanut butter
1/2 c. milk
2 c. powdered sugar

In a medium mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients until smooth. Spread over cooled brownies.

{no bake} Honey & Oat Cereal Peanut Butter Bars

I'm happy to say, I'm pretty sure I'm getting over this cold slash flu slash weird African sickness slash I don't know what. 

Although I really hate when I wake up in the morning with a dry throat and a crusty nose like a 2 year 

old. Gross.

And it'd be just dandy if I was a tea-drinker, but in all honesty, I hate tea. With a burning passion in my soul. 

Seriously, last time I drank it I nearly barfed. I'll stick to hot cocoa, coffee, and hot apple cider, thankyamuch. 

 

I'm REALLYYYYY hoping I'll be well enough to run tomorrow morning. And if I want to, I need to get at it early because, guys… it's getting quite hot now. We've been spoiled since we've arrived here with chilly mornings and days with spring-like weather. 

It's ending now. And then I'm going to die of a heat stroke because I can no longer run at 9 or 10 am. 

WHYYYYYYY? OH WHYYYYYYY? 

Anyways. All that being said about this stupid hot weather, I'll be whipping out some more no-bake recipes. I know it's a little late for you people, but just read along, drool, bookmark, and pull 'em out when needed. 

At first, I was thinking about calling these no bake peanut butter cookie dough bars. Because at one point, they were like LEGIT peanut butter cookie dough. 

Then my mom told me to add some of this Honey & Oat Special K stuff we had sitting around. 

I did. 

She tasted one and said it needed some more.

But I liked it, so I left it alone. {love you, mom!}

Then after reading in my room, I walked out into the kitchen and she was sitting there pressing more cereal into the dough. 

And that my friends, is the story of how peanut butter cookie dough bars turned into Honey & Oat Cereal Peanut Butter Bars.

So glad we had this conversation. 

{no bake} Honey & Oat Peanut Butter Bars

1/2 c. butter, melted

1 c. creamy peanut butter

1 tsp. vanilla

1 c. milk

1 c. powdered sugar

1 1/2 c. oats

1 c. flour

1 c. salted peanuts

1 3/4 c. Honey & Oats cereal

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, peanut butter, vanilla, and milk. Stir until smooth. Add in the oats, powdered sugar, flour, peanuts, and cereal. Press the dough into a 9x13 pan. Refrigerate for at least two hours {the longer the better.} Cut into squares. 

Peach Fro-Yo

I KNOW! It's been awhile since we last chatted and ate cookies together… 

This weird thing called Healthy Eating happened. 

I'm trying to lose a little weight, and since sadly, you can't eat pans of cookies, 

brownies, and cupcakes in order to do so, 

I haven't gotten around to baking much. 

Instead of snacking on Chips Ahoy and Coke Zero, I've been eating veggies

and GALLONS of water. Weird, I know. 

I'm going over to a friend's house for some Girl Time in a little bit. 

Yah, the same one I made banana bread for… 

We like food. And have the ability to eat a whole loaf of bread. TALENT, I tell you. 

No doubt, the tub of fro-yo will be fro-yo-less by the time I get home. 

So let's talk about it, shall we? It's amazing. 

I had INTENTIONS of making it healthy, BUT… 

my baking instincts kicked in and some how a whole cup 'a sugar made 

it's way into the bowl. WHOOPS. Don't know how that happened!

I'm pretty sure it's healthier than a huge ice cream sundae though… 

Of course, you could make it ACTUALLY healthy, and cut out the sugar and use honey

or some other low-cal sweetener. 

I just found it a little to… yogurty. And we were out of honey. Excuses, excuses. 

Peach Fro-Yo

4 c. plain fat-free yogurt

1 c. milk

1 c. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1 can of peaches {juice too!}

In a bowl, mix the yogurt, milk, yogurt, vanilla, and juice from the canned peaches. 

Add in the sugar. Stir until smooth. 

Chop the peaches into chunks and add to the mixture. 

Pour into an airtight container, and put in the freezer until it's hard. 

{I had mine in the freezer overnight.}

Basic Granola

So. Let's be serious- WHY oh WHY must all the food that is good be… not so good for you? The good for you stuff usually tastes like you're eating a chunk of this God made earth. And then the stuff that tastes good adds on 10 pounds per bite. 

Enter brownies. I'm really wanting brownies right now. If you are too, check out this brownie in a cup. It's dangerous stuff, so use your wisdom wisely, young padawons. 

I actually made one last week{ishhh} and put… get ready for this. Butterscotch chips and pretzels in it topped with ice cream. And then it gets all melty and ooey gooey and you just want to stick your whole FACE in the mug. Wait, what? 

All brownies set aside, let's talk about granola. This stuff is good. I made some awhile ago. It was QUITE delicious, but it got a little overdone. Sophie mad. This afternoon I was thinking about making breakfast. I think about that a lot. Morning is SOOOO my favorite time of day. Waking up to the crisp cool air with my windows open, trudging out in my jam-jams and grabing a cup of coffee while doing my quiet time. And then the bad part when I make myself run. But let's talk about happy thoughts. 

I always love coming up with breakfasts. I pretty much eat something different every morning. Not always the healthiest but I say life is for living! I was wanting to have a quick, yummy, and healthy breakfast for tomorrow after my run. With some milk {just enough to moisten it up is how this lady likes it.} and some bananas on top. YUM. 

Today, I made it plain for two reasons. 1) I wanted it plain with not a lot of extra crunch. I'm a lame being I know. and 2) We didn't have much baking extras on hand other than like… peanuts. 

I'm really happy with how it turned out! I put a lot of honey so I could have some little chunkers of good stuff in every bite. Of course, granola is so stinkin' adaptable! Just add in some nuts or fruit, or even cocoa to add some chocolate. You know you wanna. 

Basic Granola

3 c. oats

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tbsp. shredded coconut {for some added yumminess. But feel free to leave it out.}

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

3 tbsp. oil

3/4 tsp. vanilla

4 tbsp. honey

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, salt, coconut, and cinnamon. Add in the oil, vanilla, and honey. Stir until oats are evenly coated. Evenly spread the granola onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown, stirring every few minutes so nothing burns. Let cool for a few minutes before transferring to an airtight container. 

Snickerdoodle Blondies

Snickerdoodles are just one of those "Oldie But Goodie" things… Like neon colors and I Love Lucy.

There's nothing like takin' a batch out of the oven and a crisp fall day and dipping them in a cup of coffee. YUM!

But of course. Instead of cookies, I took the easy route with bars. Because bars are totally the lazy way out of taking pan after pan after pan of cookies out of the oven. Whatevs.

The other day we got a HUMUNGO care package from some dear friends and guess. what. was in there. Can't guess? Geeze fine. I'll tell you.

CRISCO!!! Yup. Crisco. The miracle that makes everything good in the world.

When I opened up the package I stuck my nose in it.  I was contemplating licking it, but that would have been taking it just a little far, yes?

It's amazing how much the butter makes a difference!

Snickerdoodle Blondies

1 c. butter {or… CRISCO!!!}, at room temp. 

2 eggs

1/2 tbsp. vanilla

1 1/2 c. white sugar

1/2 c. brown sugar

2 c. flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt

Topping:

2 tbsp. white sugar

2 tsp. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly grease a 9x13 pan. 

Cream the butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla. Add in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Stir until combined. The mixture will be thick like cookie dough. Press it evenly into the prepared pan {I used a rubber spatula but you sure could use your hands} Combine the white sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle onto of the batter. Bake 25-30 minutes or until the middle has set. Cool slightly and cut into bars. 

Unique Sweets {Winner Love}

It all started with an innocent email from Sophie.

Now it's become a big ol' challenge with celebrity judges and hundred of dollars in prizes.

Today, we find out who the winners are!!

Each winner will receive their own prize pack valued from $100 to $180,

a spot on the radar of some of blog land's biggest baking names,

and the title of Unique Sweets master.  

Ok, maybe not the last one {officially}, but in our books you will be.

Here we go.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

3rd Place Entry

{after a 5-way tie breaker}

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Fudge

from Shugary Sweets

Prize Pack:

$25 gift card to Karen's Cookies

1 month Large Ad Space and full blog feature on White Lights on Wednesday

1 pack cupcake liners from Cupcake Essentials

Gourmet Peppers and Pepper Jelly from Uncle Gary's Gourmet Peppers

Shop credit to Lilly Things

$20 Shop Credit to The Trendy Owl

2nd Place Entry

Peanut Butter & Chocolate {not quite 7} Layer Bars

from Heather's French Press

Prize Pack:

$50 gift card to Karen's Cookies

1 month ad space and social network advertising on Something Swanky

2 large decorating tips and 1 pack cupcake liners from Cupcake Essentials

1 fondant stamp from Babyjewels Designs

Candy Sweet Shop Kawaii Birthday Printable DIY Party Kit from Stockberry Studio

1st Place Entry

Andes Mint Chocolate Chip Cake

from Life Made Simple

Prize Pack:

$100 gift card to Karen's Cookies

3 month 125x125 ad space on Crazy for Crust

2 large decorating tips and 1 pack cupcake liners from Cupcake Essentials

$35 gift certificate (toward printables ONLY) from Cupcake Express

Best Ever Cupcake Icing Kit & rainbow pack of cupcake liners from Bake It Pretty

Congratulations to all the winners!!!

Just for fun, we're letting you all in on each judge's favorite 3 recipes too.

Shelly from Cookies & Cups

[ Andes Mint Chocolate Chip Cake ][ Brownie Bottom Coconut Chocolate Cream Cake ][ PB & Chocolate Layer Bars ]

Sally from Sally's Baking Addiction

[ Andes Mint Chocolate Chip Cake ][ Chipotle Chocolate Bacon Cupcakes ][ PB & Chocolate Layer Bars ]

Bridget from Bake at 350

[ Chocolate Pavlova ][ Mocha Cookie Crumble Cupcakes ][ Nutella Cheesecake Cellphones ]

Camille from Six Sister's Stuff

[ Pineapple Upside Down Cake Fudge ][ Dulce de Leche Thumbprint Cookies ][ Nutella Monster Cookies ]

Heather from Sprinkle Bakes

[ Thai Ice Tea Ice Cream ][ Chocolate Pavlova ][ Mocha Cookie Crumble Cupcakes ]

Marian from Sweetopia

[ Aztec Mocha Cupcakes ][ Andes Mint Chocolate Chip Cake ][ Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Cupcakes ]

Kristan from Confessions of a Cookbook Queen

[ Andes Mint Chocolate Chip Cake ][ Thai Iced Tea Ice Cream ][ Cotton Candy Vodka Cupcakes ]

Darla from Bakingdom

[ Pinapple Upside Down Cake Fudge ][ PB & Chocolate Layer Bars ][ Avocado Popsicles ]

Maria from Two Peas and Their Pod

[ Andes Mint Chocolate Chip Cake ][ S'mores Cups ][ Nutella Monster Cookies ]

We'd like to say a big Huge GIANT thank you to everyone for entered, judged, and sponsored the Unique Sweets Dessert Challenge.

We had an amazing time checking out everyone's posts, geeking out over the judges, and getting to know the sponsors a who lot better.

We couldn't have done without each and everyone of you!

Check out all the Unique Sweets Dessert Challenge entries

HERE

------------------------

Winners please email Julie with your shipping address at:

whitelightsonwednesday {at} yahoo {dot} com

Unique Sweets {Judge Love}

It's time!  Today begins the first day of judging for out Unique Sweet Link Party Challenge.  I've been looking through the posts as they've come in this month and I'm beside myself with all the amazing talent out there.  Now, Sophie and I promised celebrity judges, and celebrity judges you shall have.  Ready to meet them?

Bridget from Bake at 350

Bridget makes the most amazing decorated cookies.  They are always fun and she makes it all just look so darn easy.  Bridget also has some great savory recipes on her blog.  Her Royal Icing recipe is my go to for fancy cookies.

Bridget is in the works for getting her first cookbook published.  I cannot wait!!

Follow Bridget

[ Twitter ][ Facebook ][ You Tube ][ Pinterest ]

Maria from Two Peas and Their Pod

Maria astounds me.  She is one of the first bloggers I followed.  I think it was her Chocolate Chip Cookie Milkshake that hooked me in.  Chocolate Chip Cookies are my absolute favorite.  Maria's blog is full of the most amazing sounding and looking recipes.  While it's a slow work in progress on my end, Maria is my inspiration to take better food pictures for White Lights.  Maria also has one of the cutest little boys ever.

Maria's e-cookbook Cookie Cravings has some Two Peas cookie recipe favorites and some new, never before published cookie recipes from Maria.

I die.  Maria has the yummiest cookie recipes.

Learn more and purchase your own copy HERE.

Follow Maria

[ Twitter ][ Facebook ][ Pinterest ]

Kristan from Confessions of a Cookbook Queen

Kristan is freaking hilarious!  Her desserts are delicious and totally approachable.  I know I can count on Kristan to brighten my day with sweets and laughs any time I read her blog.  You have to see Kristan's baby bump, she's adorable!  

The first post I read of Kristan's were her Glamorous Witch Cupcakes.  These cupcakes are kind of the embodiment of what Kristan does best.  Over the top (in the best way) cupcake decorations, glitter, glam, and a splash of pink.

Follow Kristan

[ Twitter ][ Facebook ][ Pinterest ]

{Shelly and Kristan have a blog they write together called That's What She We Said!  You have to see it!}

Shelly from Cookies and Cups

I found Shelly's blog through Kristan when That's What She We Said! started.  I've been a big ol' fan ever since.  With recipes like these Banana Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting it's hard not to be.  Shelly is super cute and votes for Team Edward, which makes her okay in my book.

Follow Shelly

[Twitter ][ Facebook ][ Pinterest ]

Darla from Bakingdom

Darla's blog is freaking adorable.  Her deserts are fancy, but do-able.  Her savory food is totally delish, exhibit A and exhibit B.  Darla's a self-proclaimed geek.  Love that.  You can find her on Pottermore, and she has some awesome Star Wars desserts.

Follow Darla

[ Twitter ][ Facebook ][ Pinterest ][ Etsy ]

Heather from Sprinkle Bakes

{and Biscuit}

What can I say about Heather that hasn't been written in a love song?  Hehe.  Heather's desserts are amazing.  You can just see all the thought, time and love she puts into each and every one.  My favorite are Heather's blog birthday cakes, 2010 and 2011.  The boys are a fan of Heather's Colorful Spiral Cookies that we made from her cookbook.

Speaking of Heather's cookbook, this is it!  I have my own copy and I adore it.  The recipes range from basic to advanced.  Heather also shares lots of tips, tricks, and technique.  Love that!

You can get your own copy HERE.

Follow Heather

[ Twitter ][ Facebook ][ Pinterest ]

Sally from Sally's Baking Addiction 

When Sophie and I were going over our list of potential judges she mentioned Sally's Baking Addiction.  {Sophie has a blog crush on Sally.}  Somehow I had never heard of Sally's blog, sacrilege.  Of course this seems totally unthinkable now.  Sally's blog is definitely my newer favorite place to find all kinds of wonderful desserts - like these Oatmeal Lemon Creme Bars.

And I geek out a little every time I say Sally's name to myself.  

It's my mom's name.

Follow Sally

[ Twitter ][ Facebook ][ Pinterest ]

Camille from Six Sister's Stuff

Six Sister's Stuff is a great place to find recipes, crafts, and all kinds of goodies.  The title - Six Sisters - isn't a joke...there are literally 6 girls in this family and no boys.  Crazy!  Some of my favorites are the Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pockets, White Chocolate Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels, and Chubby Hubby Buckeye Peanut Butter Truffles.  With six talented ladies contributing to the blog, there is always something for everyone.

Follow Six Sister's Stuff

[ Twitter ][ Facebook ][ Pinterest ][ Blog Lovin' ]

Marian from Sweetopia

Marian makes amazing decorated cookies.  The coolest thing I've seen from her You Tube posts, using a projector to decorate cookies.  Brilliant!  Consistency in y designs would be nice and I think I would be infinitely more confident piping is I was just tracing, not trying the remember exactly what I did on the last cookie.  Marian's French Dog and Eiffel Tower cookies are insane and so cute!!

Follow Marian

[ Twitter ][ Facebook ][ You Tube ][ Pinterest ]

Are you impressed yet?!?!

I was having a total geek out moment when I emailed all the judges.  Not only was I contacting one of them, but all of them at once.  Wow!  Then to have everyone say yes blew my mind.  I think it really speaks to the character of all these women.  Even with hugely popular blogs, they are willing to take the time to help out a couple newer bloggers, just because we asked.  It goes to show you how sweet they all really are.  Yes, pun intended.  

I really hope I can manage going to a blog event in the next year.  I would love to meet some or all of these ladies (and some of my other favorite bloggers) in person.

Each judge will pick her Top 5 submissions.

Sophie and I will tally the votes and declare a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner.

In the event of a tie, Sophie and I will make the tie breaker decision.