Peanut Butter Bears

I do not like peanut butter. No allergies, and no offense to the peanut industry--I just don't like peanuts. Basically my theory is why would I eat peanut butter when there is chocolate somewhere to be eaten?

However, there are exceptions. One being Chex Muddy Buddies (aka People Puppy Chow) that has peanut butter in it and it's heavenly! That being said, I really have no use for peanut butter.

Now enter Lily's love of bears. So, we made these Peanut Butter Bears, which really turned out to be yummy, despite the peanut butter! Here's the recipe in case you decide to be brave like me:

Peanut Butter Bears
2 cups uncooked quick-cooking oats
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbl. baking powder
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (I use Skippy)
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
3 T. miniature chocolate chips, or large chocolate chips, or butterscotch chips, or vanilla chips

Directions:
Stir together oats, flour and baking powder; set aside. Beat sugar, butter, peanut butter and brown sugar in a large bowl with a mixer at medium-high speed until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until light and fluffy. Add oat mixture. Beat on low speed until combined. Cover and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours or until firm.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. For each bear, shape one 1-inch ball for body and one 3/4-inch ball for head. Place body and head together on baking sheet; flatten slightly. Make 7 small balls for ears, arms, legs and mouth. Place on bear body and head. Place 2 chocolate chips on each head for eyes; place 1 chocolate chip on each body for belly button. Bake 9-11 minutes or until light brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet. Remove to wire racks; cool completely. Yield: 2 dozen