Tasty Tuesday: Peanut Butter Bars

This is by far our favorite dessert recipe. Ever. I have made it dozens of times for family, church, friends, work, neighbors - you name it, we've taken these there. The bars get devoured in 2.47 minutes. No lie. They are often requested and always enjoyed.

If you like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, you will love these. They taste like the real thing - but better.

Ingredients:
1 cup butter, melted                     1 cup + 4 tablespoons peanut butter, divided

2 cups graham cracker crumbs                         1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

2 cups confectioners' sugar


Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the butter, graham cracker crumbs, confectioners' sugar, and 1 cup peanut butter until well blended. Press evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9x13 inch pan.

2. In a metal bowl over simmering water, or in the microwave, melt the chocolate chips with the peanut butter, stirring occasionally until smooth. Spread over the prepared crust. Refrigerate for at least one hour before cutting into squares.

These 5 ingredients are all you need to become someone's hero.

 Dump the first 4 ingredients into a bowl and mix well.

 

Plop the mixture into a 9x13 pan and spread evenly. I have found that clean, dry fingers (preferably your own) work best for spreading. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Doesn't that look appetizing???

Place the chocolate chips and remaining peanut butter in a microwave-safe dish and melt at 50% power for 30 seconds. Remove and stir. Continue until all the chips have melted and you have a smooth consistency.

Such a beautiful union of flavors! Whoever was the first to combine chocolate and peanut butter was a complete genius.

Pour the topping over the bottom (clever, huh?). Gently shake the pan on the counter to smooth the chocolate.

I suggest trying not to take pictures during this step. Holding a HOT bowl and attempting to snap a pic is not an enjoyable experience. Nor does it produce a very pleasing picture.

Do not be alarmed if the first bar you cut and remove breaks into pieces. Just accept the fact that you'll have to eat it. It's just part of the job. Oh, the things we have to endure!

Don't let the simplicity of these bars fool you - these are amazing! But don't just take my word for it. Make them yourself and everyone will love you! Promise.