Reese's Peanut Butter Bars

Scene 1:

Mom whips up a batch of some Reese's Peanut Butter Bars.  The family is pleasantly surprised that they don't have to bake so they can be eaten as soon as the chocolate hardens.  "Mom, do we really have to wait an hour?!"  "No, kids.  I'm throwing these puppies into the freezer.  Get ready to grub them down in about 15 minutes."  Cheers ensue.

Scene 2:

Fifteen minutes later, everyone in the family falls into a chocolate-peanut butter coma of complete bliss while the polish off their bar.

Scene 3:

Kids go to bed.  Mom sneaks in another one

Scene 4:

The next day, mom packs one on her daughter's lunch and eats another three throughout the day.

Scene 5: 

Day two: Dad comes home and starts hunting around in the fridge looking for some peanut butter bars.  Mom  is surreptitiously looking around while licking chocolate off her chops.  Dad asks, "Umm... Where are the peanut butter bars?"  Mom replies, "Well, here's the thing.  There was a parade of circus clowns marching down the street, and you know how deathly afraid of them I am.  Well, they were approaching the house, and I didn't know what to do!  Clown must love peanut butter, so I warmed up my throwing arm and chucked the rest of the peanut butter bars as far as I could, like seven feet.  Sure enough!  The clowns' attention was diverted away from me and to the bars.  Phew!  Close one, huh?"   Dad gives mom a blank stare and sighs.

End play.

Let me tell you something.  And I mean every word of it.  These are downright dangerous!  I saw this recipe on Pinterest, of course, I had to try it.  They are every bit as delicious as the pin states.  I made them, and they completely blew my mind.  Although there was not a parade of circus clowns, thank goodness, they would have loved these!  I honestly ate almost the whole 8x8 pan by myself within two days.  They taste just like Reese's peanut butter cups.  Amazing.  

 Reese's Peanut Butter Bars
source: http://mybakerlady.com/2012/01/16/reeses-peanut-butter-bars/ via pinterest

1 c melted butter
2 c graham cracker crumbs
2 c powdered sugar
1 c + 4 T peanut butter, divided
1 1/2 c chocolate chips

In a large bowl, mix together the butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and 1 c peanut butter.  Spread it into a 9 x 13 pan.  (If you half the recipe, you can put it into an 8x8 or 9x9).

In a microwave-safe dish, melt the chocolate chips and 4 T peanut butter on high heat in 30 second intervals until the chocolate is melted.

Spread this over the top of the peanut butter base.

Put it in the fridge for an hour or until the chocolate is hardened.  Or, if you're like me, put them in the freezer for about 15 minutes, and you're good to go.

 Best.  Bar. Ever.

*As a side note, I used crunchy PB since I was out of creamy.  It was wonderful.  Also, my kids smashed the graham crackers, and they weren't pulverized quite as much as they should have been.  That's why you see some lighter-colored chunks.  Either way, they were a delight beyond description.