Last Updated on February 13, 2026 by Lisa Keys
Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars with oats and some spirited southern flare. Okay, let's call them spirited southern belle bars because they are so pretty and have a touch of bourbon (or vanilla, if you must.) Bless your heart.
This week I was treated to an overwhelming amount of kindness. My nephews Michael and Felipe pulled out all the stops to make me feel welcome in their gorgeous home in sunny Orlando.
It started with a spa treatment and then snorkeling and floating down the lazy river at Discovery Cove. There were thoughtful gifts left on my pillow. One surprise after another including a special candle that smells like gingerbread because they know I love to bake.
These two young men made me feel so loved and special. I am ever so grateful for their kindness. They inspire me to be a better more thoughtful person.
This is my 1 year "blogiversary" and I owe you. Looking back at my About page I wrote, "I am happy you are here and always grateful for any kindness shown me." You, my friends and followers have out-done yourselves.
Your comments and support have comforted me and others in so many ways. Never underestimate the power of a little kindness. It changes the world for the good.
So to show my appreciation you can win this delicious box of spices from Penzey's along with grabbing this recipe for chocolate peanut butter bars. You know what to do...leave a kind comment.
In the meantime, here is a little thank you recipe. It has spirit and inspired by one of the kindest boys I know. He spent a little time down south at Camp LeJeune. Let me know if you give them a go.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars with Oats
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour plus more for the pan
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ¾ teaspoons salt divided
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature, divided
- 2 cups peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons bourbon* divided
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups (12 oz.) chopped bittersweet chocolate
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chops
- 1 cup chopped peanuts optional
Instructions
- Heat oven 350F. Lightly coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with no-stick cooking spray and line with parchment paper leaving a small overhang.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and 1 ½ teaspoons of salt; set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat 1 cup of butter, peanut butter, sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, followed by 2 tablespoons of bourbon.
- Stir in the flour mixture just until combined.
- Gently press about ⅔ of the dough into an even layer over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a microwave safe dish, heat the condensed milk, bittersweet chocolate, 2 tablespoons of butter and ¼ teaspoon of salt, stirring every 30 seconds until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons of bourbon.
- Spread chocolate mixture evenly over dough in pan.
- Crumble or dollop the remaining dough on top.
- Sprinkle the top with semisweet chocolate and peanuts; gently press down.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until golden on top.
- Cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
Notes
Nutrition
Daryl says
You are already one of the kindest people I know.
Lisa says
I could say the same about you!
Antoinette Leal says
Oh my goodness Lisa. Cannot believe you've been blogging for a whole year! Thanks for sharing the best of you with us!
Lisa says
I can't believe it either...good luck at the Pillsbury Bake-Off--excited for you!
Aimee Shuhart says
Lisa,
You're MY inspiration! Glad you got to be pampered in Florida.
Xoxo
Lisa says
my boy's favorite all-time teacher...I love you for all the kindness you showed him....and me
Lou Matino says
Glad to hear you had a great time in Orlando. Have fun in Vegas!
Lisa says
yes-right now I am a traveling fool--it is all about the joy of the experience
James Matino says
Mike and Felipe are a lot of fun. I enjoyed meeting Felipe at the wedding. I'm glad you had a good time.
Lisa says
lots of happiness here which translates into FUN!
Rich Beebe says
Live on, Will, live on! Thanks to your Mom and hundreds of others who knew and valued you, you will.
Lisa says
Thanks, Rich. You, better than anyone, understands we won't let them forget.
Jannine says
Happy Blogiversary, Lisa! I can't believe it's been a whole year. I look forward to your posts, not only for your recipes but for the eloquent words you always write and for sharing your very personal journey with all of us. Your strength is an inspiration and you have helped me deal with my own grief. Blessings to you.
Lisa says
Jannine--keep celebrating your nephew...a very special boy in your life shall never be forgotten
Marcie Mehrman Ziskind says
Lisa, you are not just kind, but so generous in the sharing of your strength, love, grief, your entire journey and all of the wonderful recipes! I have passed your blog onto so many people in my life who are struggling with grief and loss. We can all learn so much from your words or kindness and wisdom. XO
Lisa says
Thank you so much Marcie and especially for sharing my blog with others. It has been my hope from the start that others could benefit from all of this.
Cathy says
I just know that my mom and your William have tag teamed you and me with Peace and Hope.You and I believe and that is something no one can take away from us....
Lisa says
You got that right Cathy! Peace in our hearts and hope that we will all be together one day.
Cathy says
Oh yes we will be doing just that...We will be all together...Someday. And that is what I believe.
Lisa says
I'll toast to that
Mary says
You ARE one of the kindness people I know, Lisa.
I am going to make Will's bars today!
Lisa says
Wonderful Mary....and I don't know what I would have done without your kindness when we first moved to the new neighborhood!
elisa says
my mom always said I was not much of a cook , your recipes do come in handy, keep up the good work...love you cuz
Lisa says
our moms loved us more than we know even though they could be critical at times. My guess is you learned as much as I did being in Grandma Calderone's kitchen--it is in our blood
Nancy says
No act of kindness is ever too small. A kind word, a small gesture -- they all have an important impact. I'm glad you have received so much kindness through your blog. Happy blogiversary. Oh, and kick butt at WFC!
Lisa says
yes, a small act of kindness can change everything--such comfort and can be as simple as a smile---looking forward to the World Food Championships-thanks for the support there!
Krista says
In the four months since their younger brother died my two teenage children have shown me immeasurable kindness everyday. I made these bars today as a surprise when they get home. I look forward to your posts. Thank you for sharing.
Lisa says
Dear Krista--so very sorry you have lost your son and thankful you are surrounded by those two very special teens. Teenagers are my favorite people in the whole world and obviously you have raised two fantastic ones. I hope you all enjoy the Southern Belle Bars with a cold glass of milk.
Stacey from Florida says
Lisa, Happy Blogiversary!
You are truly an inspiration.
Life is mostly froth and bubble,
Two things stand like stone,
Kindness in another's trouble,
Courage in your own.
-Adam Lindsay Gordon
Lisa says
thanks for that lovely little poem