Patriotic M&M Oat Bars

Hello!  I hope y'all had a fabulous weekend!  My Mom and I were busy working on the landscaping in my front yard while eating way too much takeout.  Tall Tan Man and I have pretty much ignored our yard since we moved in and I can't wait for the outside of the house to look good!  I just have to say, I don't think landscaping is my thing.  I'll decorate any room but next time I might hire a professional to at least tell me what I should plant.  :)  My Mom and I have big time sweet tooth's so I decided to make Patriotic M&M Oat Bars.  I found {this} recipe from Lil' Luna and I just made some small changes.  I decided to cut the recipe in half and swap out milk chocolate for semi sweet.  

Patriotic M&M Oat Bars

Ingredients:

3/4 Cup Quick Oats
3/4 Cup Flour
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 Cup Butter {softened}
7 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 Cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
1 TBSP Butter
1/2 Cup M&Ms

Directions:

1.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2.  In a large bowl combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt.  With a spoon {or a pastry blender} mix in butter until fully combined.  Remove 1/2 cup of the mixture and press remaining mixture into an 8x8 baking dish.

3.  In a small sauce pan combine butter, sweetened condensed milk, and chocolate chips.  Melt the ingredients on low heat while stirring constantly.  Pour the chocolate mixture over the oats.

4.  Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of oat mixture and M&Ms over the melted chocolate.  Slightly press the M&Ms into the top.  Bake for 20-25 minutes.  Allow to completely cool before removing from the pan.

So who wants to come over and take some of these of my hands?  Or should I say love handles?!!! These bars are so so so good and super easy.  What are your plans for the next weekend? We haven't made any yet which is pretty typical for us...  

Have a great week!

{Leslie}