Peanut Butter-Oat Bars

I made these bars the other day in hopes of finding a *lighter* snack. I was really happy with them - they are sweet, melt in your mouth, and have less calories than those cookies I find myself eating every afternoon. And, on these hot summer days, these bars don't require heating up the oven. The original recipe doesn't call for chocolate, but I had to throw some in. I've made them without, too... and they are still good.

Peanut Butter Oat Bars
adapted from Everyday Food Magazine

2/3 cup honey
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cups crisp rice cereal
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/3 cup chocolate chips [optional]

Grease a 8 x 8 square pan. In a small saucepan over medium, heat honey, peanut butter, chocolate [if using] and butter. Stir until loosened and smooth, 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in cereal and oats. Pour mixture into pan, and smooth evenly. Refrigerate until set, about 1/2 hour. Cut into squares.