Reese's Pieces Oatmeal Bars

I had every intention of making Halloween Bark for my coworkers at Wickham Farms, but I never got it done (sorry, farmers). As a result, I had a whole bunch of ingredients sitting around. I can use a lot of them in a similar bark at Christmas time, but Reese's Pieces don't fit in the Christmas color scheme.

I found this recipe online for using up the Reese's Pieces and boy, was it good. I loved the chewy oat bars contrasted by the crispy/creamy texture of the Reese's Pieces. My husband didn't particularly care for the extra crunch from the outsides of the Reese's Pieces. My sons and I were ok with that -- more for us!

Reese’s Pieces Oatmeal Bars

2/3 cup shortening
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup unsifted all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup milk
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 1/2 cups Reese's pieces, divided

Cream shortening and both sugars in a large mixer bowl until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat well. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. Add flour mixture to the sugars mixture and beat until combined. Add milk and beat well. Stir in oats and 1 cup of the Reese's Pieces. Spread into a greased 13 x 9 inch pan. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Reese's pieces. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in pan. Cut into bars.