Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Zorra knows a good thing when she sniffs it

Welcome, friends! May I introduce you to your next obsession?

Bread and butter. Milk and cookies.  Peanut butter and chocolate.  Some things just belong together.

If I ever ask Other Half what kind of sweet treat he wants, he only ever responds with two things. These cookies or these chocolate peanut butter bars.  Without a doubt, it will be one of these two things.  And really, I can't blame him, both of these recipes are classic combinations.

Like many, my introduction to the glory that is the combination of chocolate and peanut butter was the humble Reese's Peanut Butter Cup.  I used to eat them a different way every time.  Sometimes, I would eat all around the edge and save the middle, other times I would do the opposite. Sometimes I eat it as slowly or as quickly as possible. It was a fun food. 

This recipe may not look like a peanut butter cup (I don't have that kind patience), but it sure tastes like one. And I'm having just as much fun eating them!

This is not a healthy recipe.  If you're looking for a healthier chocolate peanut butter combo, may I recommend this? But trust me, these bars are worth the calories. Every last one.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars


3/4 cup butter (separated) 
1 3/4 cups icing sugar

1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, both work well)

3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (I crush my own)
1/2 cup chocolate chips


Directions:

1. Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a double boiler (if you don't have one, place a heat-proof bowl over a small pot of boiling water - don't let the water touch the bottom of the bowl)
2. Mix in sugar and peanut butter until smooth
3. Stir in graham cracker crumbs
4. Spread mixture into an 8x8 dish (glass or metal both work)
5. In the same double boiler (or bowl over water) melt the last 1/4 cup of butter
6. Stir in the chocolate chips until almost melted
7. Remove from heat and continue stirring until completely melted and shiny  (this helps from burning the chocolate)
8. Spread the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter mixture (as you can see above, this won't always be even, but try and cover the entire surface)
9. Place in the refrigerator and allow to cool completely (at least 30 minutes)
10. Enjoy!