Peanut Butter Bars

Deliciously sweet and chewy peanut butter comfort food.

 

I'm a little down today.  This is weird because it is so rare, but my husband just left for a work trip that will keep him away for 2 months.  I love alone time and usually enjoy the time he is away but today  is also a dreary, rainy day and I just need some comfort. 

Enter the Peanut Butter Bars.  These dessert bars were a favorite when I was growing up.  Any school or friend function that required food my sisters and I would always make and bring Peanut Butter Bars.  We used to make these so often I had the recipe memorized.  However as I got older I just didn't make them as much and it has been a very long time since I last made them...luckily I found the recipe again. They are like brownies only with peanut butter instead of chocolate.  Just smelling them bake brings back memories and makes me smile.  I feel better already.


Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350F.  Grease and flour a 9 by 13 baking pan.  In a large bowl melt the butter and peanut butter (I just melt them in the microwave on high for 30 seconds).  Stir in sugar then the eggs, vanilla, flour, baking powder, and salt.  Mix well (I do this all by hand with a wooden spoon for old times sake and because it's quick and simple, but you could use a mixer if you prefer).  Pour batter into the prepared pan, smooth and fill pan then bake for 20 minutes.  Makes about 24 bars.

You can add chocolate chips or other candy to the batter if you want (it is all very good), but I just wanted the simple, comforting peanut butter bars I'm familiar with.

Enjoy.