2 c. quick oats
1 1/2 c. flour
1 c. finely chopped peanuts (optional)
1 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
1 c. melted butter
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
1/3 c. peanut butter
1 c. M&M'S®, plain

Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, peanuts, soda and salt; mix well. Add butter and mix until ingredients are moistened thoroughly and mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the crumbs. Press remaining crumbs into a greased 9 x 13 inch pan and bake in 375 degree oven for 12 minutes.

Meanwhile, mix peanut butter and condensed milk in a small bowl, blending well. Spread over partially baked crumbs to within 1/4 inch of edge. Combine reserved crumbs and M&M'S® and sprinkle on bars, pressing them lightly. Bake for 20-22 minutes. Note: Peanuts may be omitted in crumb mixture, if desired.