Bayou Chewy Honey Bars

Honey and peanut butter hold together the oats, rice cereal, peanuts and raisins in this delightfully chewy bar.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup orange blossom honey
• 2 1/4 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 1/2 cups crispy rice cereal
• 1 cup unsalted roasted peanuts
• 1 cup raisins
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Line the base of a 9 x 13 inch pan with parchment paper and spray generously with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl combine the oats, crispy rice, peanuts and raisins; stir to combine. Set aside.
3. In a large, 2-quart saucepan combine the brown sugar, honey, butter, peanut butter, vanilla extract and salt. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, over medium-high heat, until the mixture reaches 220 degrees F on a candy thermometer.
4. Immediately pour the hot liquid over the oat mixture, stirring until all of the dry ingredients are coated.
5. Transfer the bar mixture to the prepared pan and press into place using your hands.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for about an hour.
7. To serve, cut into half lengthwise; then horizontally into twelve 2-inch bars.

Attribution

Recipe and photo used with permission from: National Honey Board
Recipe courtesy of Chef David Guas, Owner of Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery in Arlington, Virginia.