Peanut Butter Bars

I think I've mentioned before that we have a group of friends in our building that get together for Friday night dinner and cocktails in one of the penthouse condos. We lovingly call it Martini Night on the Roof. Over the years, each of us has fallen into the habit of being in charge of one aspect of the night. Our hostess, Nelda, graciously provides cocktails and appetizers for everyone. One couple will bring a main dish such as chicken or pizza. Another couple brings wine for dinner. One couple does all of the dishes and clean up. My role is to bring dessert.

That being said, I'm constantly looking for new recipes to try out. Everyone in our group has different preferences when it comes to dessert so I try to vary the flavors from week to week. I had bookmarked this recipe for peanut butter bars some time ago. They looked easy and fast, and really who doesn't like a good peanut butter bar? These did not disappoint. The entire pan was consumed on Friday night and Vince asked me to make another pan just for us to have at home. The peanut butter icing is killer and really makes this more decadent than it already is. The middle stays soft and chewy and the mini chocolate chips add that "Reese's" taste to it. You really can't tell that there's oatmeal in it at all, for anyone that might be skeptical on that count. I'm sure I'll be getting some requests to bring these to Martini Night again.

Peanut Butter Bars

Adapted from Lolly's Sweet Treats

Ingredients
1/2 Cup Margarine, softened
1/2 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar, packed
1/2 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter
1 Large Egg
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 Cup All Purpose Flour
1/2 Cup Quick Cooking Oats
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1 Cup Mini Chocolate Chips

Icing:
1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar
2 Tablespoons Creamy Peanut Butter
2 Tablespoons Milk


Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Grease a 9x13 pan with cooking spray.
3. Cream margarine, sugars, and peanut butter in a mixing bowl.
4. Add the egg and vanilla.
5. Mix well.
6. Mix in the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt.
7. Spread the batter into the baking pan.
8. Sprinkle the top with chocolate chips.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
10. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
11. Once cool, mix the icing ingredients together and drizzle over the top.
12. Cut into squares or bars.

Yields: 24 servings