CHEWY CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BARS

This recipe is a little different because the cranberries add a little burst of flavor to the tried and true chocolate and peanut butter combination.  Dried cherries would also work, I think.

CHEWY CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BARS

1 cup flour

3.4 cup quick cooking oats

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 – 4 oz package semi sweet chocolate, chopped

1/2 cup dried cranberries

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.  Line a 13 X 9 inch pan with foil, with ends extending over sides; spray with cooking spray.  Mix  flour, oats and baking soda until blended.  Beat butter, peanut butter and sugars in large bowl with mixer until light and fluffy.  Add egg and vanilla, mix well.  Gradually add flour mixture, mixing well after each addition.  Stir in chocolate and cranberries, then gently press onto bottom of prepared pan.  Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until center is set.  Cool completely.  Use foil handles to lift from pan before cutting into bars.