Peanut Butter and Jelly Oatmeal Bars

We are addicted to Peanut Butter. It is one of our desert island foods, so we are constantly looking for ways to enjoy it. This grown up version of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich was inspired by a large batch of organic Costco concord grapes on the verge of being purged. On a whim, we cooked them down into this ridiculously good jelly, sweet, tart and bright, and then threw the jelly into these bars. Yes, it does involve an extra step, but it is well worth the effort. Next time, we are trying it with green grapes!!! 

Peanut Butter and Jelly Oatmeal Bars
Makes 1 dozen
 
1-cup flour
1-cup oats
1/3-cup brown sugar
1/3-cup sugar
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. baking soda
½ cup peanut butter
½ cup butter, room temperature
1-cup fresh grape “jelly”
 
Grape “Jelly”
3 cups grapes, any kind
¼ cup sugar
1-tablespoon cornstarch
¼ cup water plus 1 tablespoon
½ tsp. vanilla extract
 
For the grape jelly place all the grapes, sugar. Vanilla and ¼ water into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir grapes until they start to break down and release their juices.  About 5-8 minutes. Dissolve cornstarch into tablespoon of water and pour into grapes. Turn heat up slightly and let grapes bubble and thicken for about 2 minutes. Turn off and cool.
 
Preheat oven to 350
 
Grease an 8x8 square baking dish and set aside
 
Place the oats, flour, salt, baking soda, and sugars in mixer with a paddle attachment. Add peanut butter, then butter and mix until evenly combined.
 
Take 2/3 of your crumble and press into your prepared pan.  Bake for about 20 minutes until slightly brown.  Spread grape jelly on top and cover with remaining crumble, letting some grape jelly poke through.  Bake for another 20-25 minutes until brown and bubbling.
 
Let cool entirely before slicing.