Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Granola bars have always been a big hit with my husband.I love these bars-they are kind of like s'mores with peanut butter and coconut add-ins. These bars are perfect for hauling along to a horse show or trail ride, or just to eat as a snack.

I discovered this recipe in high school, but I tweaked it for microwave use. You can also add in or leave out ingredients as desired. (I frequently omit the coconut and peanut chunks.)

To get started, place 1/4 c. butter, 1/4 c. vegetable oil, and 60 large marshmallows in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Cook for 2 1/2 minutes on high. Stir. Cook for another 2 min on high. Add 1/4 c. honey and 1/4 c. peanut butter. 
Cook for another 2 min, or until all marshmallows are softened. Watch this closely-DO NOT overcook your marshmallows. Stir again when you remove it from the microwave. Make sure all the marshmallows are melted and the mixture is smooth.

Add in 5 c. quick-cooking oats, 4 1/2 c. Rice Krispies, 1 c. crushed graham crackers, 1 c. coconut,  and 1 c. peanut chunks. Stir. (Make sure all of your ingredients are ready to go. If you wait too long to mix, the marshmallow mixture will cool too much to be easily stirred.)

Spread in a 9" x 13" pan for thick bars or a 15" x 10" pan for a more traditional bar. I opted for thick bars. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top and press them into the bars. Let cool slightly before cutting in order for the bars to harden.

Recipe:

1/4 c. butter

1/4 c. vegetable oil

60 large marshmallows (1 1/2 pounds)

1/4 c. honey

1/4 c. peanut butter

5 c. quick cooking oats

4 1/2 c. Rice Krispies

1 c. crushed graham crackers

1 c. coconut

1 c. dry roasted peanuts, chopped

mini chocolate chips for sprinkling.

Soften the butter, oil, and marshmallows in the microwave for 2 1/2 minutes on high. Stir. Cook for 2 more minutes on high. Add honey and peanut butter. Cook for 2 more minutes, or until all marshmallows are melted. Stir until smooth. Add oats, rice cereal, crackers, coconut, and peanuts. Spread in a 9" x 13" or 15" x 10" pan. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top and press into bars.