peanut butter!!!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

Peanut Butter is one of my all-time favorites.

So technically, peanuts are actually legumes, not nuts. Who knew? And I recently read that Mr. Kellogg, the guy who invented all those great cereals, owns the first patent on the peanut butter making process.

And... the average American eats about 3 pounds of peanut butter per year. I think I am above average.
I wanted something rich and decadent, so I found a recipe for peanut butter brownies. Throw in some extra chocolate and chopped peanuts, and we have ourselves a very rich winner.

Good and gooey batter. Half of the reason to bake.

Peanut Butter Bars/ Brownies

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2 sticks butter, softened
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 large eggs plus 1 large yolk
1 Tablespoon vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups chocolate chips, divided
1 cup chopped peanuts

Cream the butter, peanut butter and sugar. Stir in eggs and vanilla until well blended. Add flour, then stir in one cup of the chocolate chips and the peanuts. Pour into a 13x9inch pan, and bake for about 40 minutes, or until golden and until inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Remove from the oven and pour the remaining cup of chocolate chips on top. Let them sit for two minutes, or until melty, and spread evenly.

Let the bars cool for at least 15 minutes, and then cut and serve!

Layers of peanuts and chocolate.

Decadent.

They will not last long...