P B J Energy Squares Food

PB&J ENERGY OAT BARS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Spray a 13x9-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• Place oats, flour, walnuts, cinnamon, baking powder and salt in a bowl and whisk to blend.
• Melt butter in a large microwave-safe bowl then whisk in peanut butter and brown sugar until well-blended.
• Whisk in egg and vanilla then stir in dry ingredients using a large spatula.
• Spread half the batter evenly over the bottom of the pan then spread the fruit spread evenly over the oat base.
• Top with an even layer of remaining oat batter.
• Bake for 25 minutes or until just beginning to turn golden.
• A toothpick inserted will come out with a few moist crumbs clinging, and the sides will begin to separate from the pan.
• Cool completely on a rack before cutting into 24 pieces.
• Store at room temperature for up to four days.

SUNNY'S EASY PB&J SWIRL BARS

Steps:

• Make the crust. Spray an 8-inch square metal baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line with parchment paper, allowing the parchment to overhang the edges of the pan. Spray again and set aside.
• In a food processor, pulse the crackers, brown sugar and butter until combined and it resembles wet sand. Remove and press into the bottom of the pan. Refrigerate for an hour.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Make the PB layer: In a stand mixer or with a hand-held mixer, beat the peanut butter, brown sugar and butter in a bowl until smooth. Remove the pan from the refrigerator and spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the bottom layer.
• Add the jelly swirl. Drop about 9 dollops of the jam around the pan. Use a skewer or butter knife and drag it through the jam and peanut butter to make swirls.
• Bake until set, about 30 minutes. Allow to cool completely, then remove from the pan and cut into bars the size of your choosing.

P B & J ENERGY SQUARES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease a 9" x 13" pan.
• Mix flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.
• In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar at high speed until creamy.
• Beat in peanut butter until blended.
• Reduce speed to low; blend in flour mixture and oats.
• Spread 2/3 of the batter in the pan with a spatula.
• Spread grape jam/jelly carefully over the batter.
• Sprinkle with wheat germ, if used.
• Spoon out small dollops of remaining batter and scatter over the jam/jelly.
• Bake 25 minutes, until golden (the squares will be bubbly and still look soft).