The Amish Cook's Baking Book

DELICIOUS PEANUT BUTTER SWIRL BAR

Makes 2 dozen bars

These bars are very pretty with their dark chocolate swirls throughout. The dessert is a sweet treat to add to any lunch-bucket meal!

1 cup creamy peanut butter
2/3 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 325¡F. Grease a 9 by 13-inch pan and set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, butter, and sugars until well blended and smooth. Make sure any lumps of brown sugar are dissolved. Then add the eggs and vanilla. Mix until smooth and creamy and thoroughly blended. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the batter is once again smooth and creamy. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the batter and put into the oven for 5 minutes.

Remove from the oven and, using a butter knife, swirl the chocolate chips through
the dough. Return to the oven and bake until a butter knife inserted into the center
comes out clean (some chocolate may stick to the knife), about 40 minutes. Let cool for 1 hour and cut into bars.

Store the bars in a sealed container or cake safe. These will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.