Chocolate Revel Bars

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rev·el 
[rev-uhl] , -eled, -el·ing or (especially British) -elled, -el·ling, noun

verb (used without object)

1.  to take great pleasure or delight (usually followed by in): to revel in luxury.

2.  to make merry; indulge in boisterous festivities.

(from dictionary.com)

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The consumption of these bars embody the very definition of taking great pleasure in an object.  

Because when you take this...

plus this...

and you do this...

and this...

and this...

you can't help but revel in the results.

(Here's the printable.)

Chocolate Revel Bars

Makes 35 bars

3 cups quick oats

2 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 and 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

2 cups brown sugar, firmly packed

2 eggs

4 teaspoons vanilla, divided

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

1 (11.5 ounce) package bittersweet chocolate chips

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup chopped nuts

In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of the salt.  Set aside.

Using a hand-held or stand mixer, beat 1 cup of butter for about a minute.  Add the brown sugar and beat for about 3-4 minutes until the color has lightened and the mixture is "fluffy".  Add the eggs and 2 teaspoons of the vanilla and mix for 1 additional minute on medium-high speed, scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl a few times.  

On low speed, add the dry ingredients to the beaten mixture until combined (about 30-45 seconds max...don't overmix or it will become tough).  Be sure to scrape both the sides and the bottom of the mixing bowl to fully incorporate the dry ingredients. 

In a medium saucepan, heat condensed milk, chocolate chips, 2 additional tablespoons of butter, and 1/4 teaspoon salt over low heat until smooth.  Remove from heat and stir in the nuts and remaining 2 teaspoons of vanilla.

Pat 2/3 of the oat mixture into the bottom of a 15" x 10" baking sheet. (You might have to sprinkle the oat mixture with a bit of flour to keep it from stick to your fingers as you press it into the pan.)  Spread warm chocolate mixture over dough.  Dot with remaining oat mixture, pressing lightly with your fingers.  

Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes.  Cook on a wire rack.  

Makes 35 bars.  They freeze beautifully. 

Recipe from:  The Peach Tree Tea Room Cookbook 

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