FUDGY CHOCOLATE-OATMEAL BARS

Valentine’s is getting closer and Hopefully spring is on the way, no matter what the Groundhog says! ! Ithought I would bake up a sweet treat to give to your Valentine or a whole group of Valentines! am not sure where this recipe came from, but I have had it for a long time and it is so good. It makes a large amount of bars, so it is a good dessert to take to a potluck or family gathering. So here is the recipe!

FUDGY CHOCOLATE-OATMEAL BARS

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, divided

2 cups packed brown sugar

2 eggs

4 teaspoons vanilla, divided

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

3 cups quick-cooking rolled oats

1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)

2 cups (12 oz. package) semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup sliced almonds, divided (optional)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Set aside 2 tbsp. of the butter. Beat the remaining butter in a large bowl on medium speed on mixer for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar, beat until combined. Beat in eggs and 2 tsp. of the vanilla. Stir together flour and baking soda in another large bowl, stir in oats. Gradually stir flour mixture into beaten mixture. Set aside.

Combine reserved 2 tbsp. butter, the sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips in a medium saucepan. Cook over low heat until chocolate melts, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in 3/4 cup of the almonds and remaining 2 tsp. vanilla.

Pour two-thirds (about 3 1/3 cups) of the oats mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1 inch jelly-roll pan. Spread chocolate mixture over the oats mixture.

Using your finger, dot remaining oats mixture over the chocolate. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup almonds.

Bake about 25 minutes or until top is lightly browned (chocolate mixture will still look moist). Cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into 2 x 1 inch bars. Makes about 75 bars.