Chocolate Caramel Peanut Bars

1. Make the caramels:

1. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine everything except for the vanilla and peanuts.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring with a wooden spoon.
3. Reduce heat and continue to stir for approx 20 minutes. Add vanilla.
4. Once combined, place the mixture aside while making the rest of the bar.
   • Do NOT add the peanuts yet!

2. Using an electric mixer, combine 1/2 Tbsp water, brown rice syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla, natural peanut butter, and salt until creamy. Slowly add Stevia in the Raw. Note: The Stevia in the Raw gives it a somewhat bitter taste at this point – this is okay!

3. Once combined, remove it from the bowl with your hands and press it into a lined or greased 4″ pan. Place in refrigerator to cool.

4. If your caramel has hardened, heat it back up for a few minutes until soft. Once soft, mix in the peanuts. Once filling from step 3 is firm, pour caramel over the filling. Place back in the refrigerator to cool.

5. Once your refrigerated mixture is firm (this could take a few hours), melt the chocolate in the microwave for approx 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Cut the mixture into bite-size bars and dip in melted chocolate to cover, using a fork.

6. Place bite-size bars onto wax paper and allow to cool (this could take a few hours).