The weekend is almost over and I'm glad I spent some much needed quality time with my family. Games, indoor activities, snuggling under a warm blanket, listening to the sweet sound of rain and enjoying some zucchini lasagna and these crunchy no-bake peanut bars.
If you're like me and don't want to spend Valentine's day cooking all day long, these bars are just what you need - tasty, quick and easy to make, freeze well and can be made beforehand.
Ingredients:
300 gr sugar
200 ml water
200 gr butter
300 gr unsalted peanuts
250 - 300 gr ground cookies or biscuits
2 tablespoons cocoa or 50 gr dark chocolate
chocolate sprinkles
Instructions:
1. In a small pot put the water and sugar and cook for 4-5 minutes until sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add the butter and wait for it to melt, stirring continuously.
3. After butter is melted, add the peanuts. I ground 200 gr of peanuts and finely chopped the rest. If you'd like a smoother texture grind all 300 gr.
4. Gradually pour the ground cookies, constantly stirring and checking the consistency of the mixture. It should be well combined and not too dry and crumbly nor too wet, so the amount of ground cookies might vary.
5. Divide the batch into three equal parts.
6. In one of the bowls add 2 tablespoons of cocoa or 50 gr of melted dark chocolate into one and combine well.
7. Line a baking dish with some baking paper for easier removal. Pour in the first third and gently press it.
8. Pour the chocolate layer and press gently.
9. Pour the remaining third, again pressing gently.
10. Decorate with some chocolate sprinkles and peanuts.
If you don't like peanuts you can easily substitute them with walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds etc.
Enjoy!
Are you looking for other easy treats for Valentine's day? Check out our recipes
