Sticky Oat and Pine Nut Bars

Yummy!!! Husband keeps asking for more of these... he declared they were the best thing he's ever eaten. (so far today anyway, he likes to claim this every time I bake something that turns out delicious)

Sticky Oat & Pine Nut Bars
Food & Wine Magazine
1 stick butter
3/4 c. honey
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 c. old fashioned oats
1 1/2 c. pine nuts (I only had about 2/3 c. pine nuts so I can't imagine what these would be like with the full amount. It might be a bit too much!)
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cinnamon (my addition)
Dash of salt

4 oz white chocolate
1/2 tsp canola oil

Preheat the oven to 325. Butter an 8x8 baking dish and line with parchment.

In a large saucepan, melt the butter with the honey and brown sugar. Cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until an amber caramel forms. (About 5 minutes) Stir in the oats, nuts, pepper and salt. Cook for about 2 minutes. I cooked a bit more at this stage. The nuts are supposed to start to brown and mine didn't...

Pour the mixture into the baking dish and bake for 20 minutes. Make sure to get the mixture nice and smooth and flat on top before you put them in the oven.

Allow to cool thoroughly. This was the hard part since it takes forever and you can't wait to try one! Cut in half, then each half in 6 bars. Warm the chocolate and oil, dip the bars in and cool them on a baking sheet (or some wax paper for super easy clean up)

Refrigerate if you are keeping them 3 - 7 days. They are safe in a plastic bag on the counter for up to three... if yours last that long. I'm sure mine won't!