Peanut Butter Bars

~Katie Hall

Ingredients:

1 C. peanut butter

6 TBS. butter, softened

1 1/4 C. sugar

3 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1 C. flour

1/4 tsp. salt

1 pkg. milk chocolate chips, divided

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixer bowl, beat peanut butter and butter until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until creamy. Blend in flour and salt. Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips. Spread into 9 x 13 pan. Bake for 25 - 30 minutes until edges begin to brown. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle remaining chocolate chips. Let stand 5 minutes or until chocolate chips become shiny and soft. Spread evenly over the top. Cool completely and cut.

Almond Cream Confections

~Loree Pettit

In a heavy sauce pan, combine:

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa

2 teaspoons vanilla

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 egg, beaten

Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until butter is melted and mixture begins to thicken.

Stir in:

1 cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted

1 3/4 cup vanilla wafer crumbs

1/2 cup coconut

Press mixture into ungreased 9 inch square pan. Cover and chill.

1/3 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

3 cups powdered sugar

Beat at high speed. Spread over crust. Cover and chill several hours.

Place 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips in Ziplock sandwich bag. Place in mug or bowl of hot water until melted. Snip a small hole in one corner to drizzle.

Cut into 36 squares. Arrange on a platter. Drizzle with chocolate.

Note: I use a foil pan so the bars are easier to cut. Before cutting bars, clip the corners of the pan and peel the sides down.