PBNJ

Happy Happy Friday y'all!

So, about 2 days ago my older guy cousin (and one of my all-time faves, might I add) sent me the most torturous picture...

Peanut Butter and Jelly Granola!

I thought to myself, "Is he serious?" Then I thought, "Oh mah Gawd!" This was followed by an actual verbalization of "Oh no he didn't...I must get on this recipe asap!"

In my best Chelsy fashion, I hopped on this pb and j train immediately!

The essentials for great beginnings to ah-mazing things.

Rolled Oats, peanuts, strawberry jam, peanut butter, and agave nectar!

I was afraid I wouldn't have enough for the pan because seriously, I ate about 1/2 c. of this stuff raw...

think pb and j oatmeal-ish.

Oh the heavens!

Only one thing could make this better

extra pb

and j.

Wait...that's two things.

Big thanks and brownie points to my cousin for the inspiration! Thanks for being such a peanut butter lover like me! Love you Parks!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Granola Bars (GF/V):

Ingredients:

1/2 c. natural, unsalted, peanut butter, melted

4 c. rolled oats (not-instant or quick cook oats) (You can also use gluten-free rolled oats if needed)

1/2 c. unsalted, dry-roasted peanuts, chopped

pinch of sea salt

1/2 c. strawberry jam, slightly melted (about 20 second in the microwave)

1/4 c. + 2 T. agave nectar (or honey)

extra peanut butter and jelly, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9x13 in. non-stick baking pan with cooking spray.

2. Place the peanut butter in a small sauce pan, heat over low on the stove, stirring until melted. Take off the stove and set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanuts, oats, and salt.

4. Fold in the peanut butter, jam, and agave. Stir until the dough is well combined and moistened.

5. If the dough is dry, add more agave nectar or peanut butter by 1 tablespoon until you reach desired consistency. 

6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.

7. Bake for 22-25 minutes or until slightly golden around the edges.

8. Let the bars cool in the pan. Slice into squares and serve topped with extra peanut butter and jam. 

Note: If you want to make this recipe even simpler, nix the baking time, throw them into the freezer for a quick no-bake treat. They are just as amazing...and probably even more delicious! Take them out about 10 minutes before serving, wrap each square in plastic wrap and freeze the rest for later! 

Makes about 2 dozen squares.

MANGIA!!!