No Bake Spicy Chocolate Oat Bars by Nancy Coco

I love to bake. Today I’m sharing an easy microwave recipe from my kitchen to you.

Ingredients:

1 cup of butter
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups of rolled oats
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp ground cayenne pepper
1 cup of dark chocolate chips
¾ cup peanut butter

Directions:

Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.

In a medium glass bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, vanilla. Microwave on low in increments of 30 seconds stirring between until butter has melted and sugar dissolved. Add oats and salt. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, stir, repeat for two more minutes.

Pour half of the oat mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly-pressing down.

In a small bowl, place chocolate chips, cayenne pepper, and peanut butter. Microwave on high stirring every 40 seconds until melted and combined. Reserve ¼ cup. Pour chocolate mixture over oats in pan. Top with remaining oat mixture. Drizzle reserved chocolate. Refrigerate for four hours or until set. Serve. Makes 16 bars.

 

“Fun characters, quaint setting, mouth-watering recipes.” —RT Book Reviews

Fudge shop owner Allie McMurphy is making fudgie treats for the annual yacht race–but a killer’s stirring up a batch of trouble. . .

Sailing Into Murder

The annual yacht race off the coast of Mackinac Island, Michigan, is a highlight of the summer season, and Allie is pulling out all the stops making chocolate centerpieces for the occasion. Unfortunately, she and her bichonpoo, Mal, also pull a dead body from the murky waters of the marina. When Allie’s boyfriend’s sister becomes the prime suspect, Allie dives into investigating the murder herself. Amid bitter feuds and hushed-up scandals, the courageous candymaker quickly gets in over her head. Someone is trying to fudge the facts to keep a secret worth killing for. . .

Praise for Nancy Coco and the Candy-Coated Mysteries

“Beautiful Mackinac Island provides the setting for a puzzling series of crimes. . .plenty of plausible suspects and mouthwatering fudge recipes.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A sweet treat with memorable characters, a charming locale, and satisfying mystery.” –Barbara Allan

“Fun, lively.” –JoAnna Carl