No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites

We're in Texas.  It's too hot.  Not in the mood to cook or bake.   

I say take this sinful recipe and make a double batch to enjoy while you watch your favorite chick flick indoors with the A/C cranked down.   You can thank me later!  Now go indulge!

1 c semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks

1/2 c peanut butter, smooth or chunky

3 c. quick cooking oats

1 tsp vanilla 

3/4 c brown sugar, packed

3/4 c unsalted butter

pinch salt

Melt the butter in a large sauce pan over low heat.  Add in the vanilla, salt, brown sugar and oats.  Cook for 4-5 minutes.  Using a rubber spatula, press half of the mixture in the bottom of a buttered 8x8 dish.

In a microwave safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips or chunks and peanut butter, stirring every 30 seconds until chocolate is melted.  Pour the chocolate peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture, reserving a little to drizzle over the top. 

Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate and peanut butter, pressing down gently.  Drizzle the remaining chocolate and peanut butter over the top of the bars. 

Refrigerate for 3 hours before cutting and serving.   I cut into small bites so they last longer and they are very rich.   Enjoy!

Burgers, Beer and Rock Band

Happy Sunday!!  I've discovered a few new things over the weekend that I wanted to share with you.    #1:  I love lamb!  #2: Meeting new friends is underrated.  #3: My new friend, Christopher, is an awesome chef and host. #4: Rock Band is still fun!

Christopher works with my husband.  I met him only 2 weeks ago and I think he just may be my new male BFF.  He doesn't realize this yet so let's keep it on the DL so we don't scare him off.   He's amazing not only because he's an all around nice guy but this man can cook AND he knows how to throw a party.  We both look forward to learning more about his cooking skills.  He claims his specialty is whipping up sauces.  We can't wait for him to prove it.

Below are pictures of the sliders he made us.   They were full of flavor and so delicious. My favorite was the lamb.  The spices were just right and didn't overpower the flavor of the meat.  Everything meshed very well together.  

Starting at the left, smoked gouda infused ground beef burger wrapped in bacon served on a roasted garlic aioli and garnished with greens and tomato.  Middle: fennel crusted lamb burger on a creamy raita and topped with a red onion marmalade. Right: seared salmon steaks glazed with a ginger teriyaki and paired with sliced avocado and mango.

 

We really enjoyed the food, meeting new people and jamming out with the Band.   Will-I-Am can rock the mic surprisingly well.  Probably one of the most entertaining, yet good singers yet. You practice at home a lot don't you?!   Let's do this again very soon.