Because Baking is Creative: "Swag" Bars

I've done more than just bake this week, but you wouldn't know it by the radio silence on the blog lately. Sorry to all you loyal followers! I'm cooking up (in addition to sweet treats) some exciting changes at the Lilly Louise studio, so stay tuned to learn about what's going on over here.

Now back to business. Swag Bars. These are incredible! This is the kind of dessert that while you make it you just can't wait to taste it when it's finished. And then it haunts you while it's cooling, and after you've given it all away except for 3 little pieces you're saving in the fridge...calling your name. And, it's--once again--from Cooking Light so it's not terribly unhealthy. However, I must admit when it said "drizzle" melted dark chocolate, I chose to "slather."

Here's the recipe. Enjoy!

Swag Bars
About 36 servings (serving size: 1 bar)

Ingredients

* 1 3/4 cups creamy peanut butter
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 3/4 cup light-colored corn syrup
* 1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) chopped lightly salted, dry-roasted peanuts
* 3 1/2 cups (4 ounces) whole-grain flaked cereal (such as Total), finely crushed (I used Flax Plus)
* Cooking spray
* 1/3 cup (2 ounces) chopped dark chocolate

Preparation

1. Combine first 3 ingredients in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook 4 minutes or just until mixture begins to boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in peanuts and cereal. Spread mixture evenly into a 13 x 9–inch baking pan coated with cooking spray.

2. Place the dark chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH 1 minute or until chocolate melts, stirring every 20 seconds. Drizzle chocolate evenly over peanut mixture. Score into 36 bars while warm.