Book of Days Tales

Today is the birthday (1862) of  William Sydney Porter, better known by his pen name O. Henry, a U.S. short story writer. His works include “The Gift of the Magi”, “The Duplicity of Hargraves”, and “The Ransom of Red Chief”, as well as the novel Cabbages and Kings. His short stories are known for their witty narration, and surprise endings.

The Oh Henry! bar is not an homage to O Henry, but it might as well be. No one knows the origin of the name although there is considerable speculation.  The confection can easily be made at home.

Ingredients

    ⅓ cup butter at room temperature

    ½ cup brown sugar

    ¼ cup light corn syrup

    1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract

    2 cups uncooked rolled oats

    ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

    ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350º F/175º C.

Lightly grease an 8”x 8” baking dish.

Cream the butter and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Add the corn syrup and vanilla, combining thoroughly. Add the oatmeal and completely mix. Press the mix evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes.

While the bars are baking, melt the peanut butter and chocolate chips in a small bowl over a small saucepan containing an inch of simmering water.

Remove the bars from the oven and place into the refrigerator to cool for 10 minutes.

When cooled, pour the melted chocolate mix over top and spread to edges. Refrigerate.

When cool and firm, turn out the pan and cut into bars.