a tasty treat for the kids (at heart)

There’s something deliciously simple about peanut butter and jelly. I rarely think to eat those tasty sammies anymore, but here is one of my favorite twists on an old classic. I whipped them up tonight for some of my favorite people coming over tomorrow, and you should too. You’ll feel like a kid again.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Bars

2 sticks unsalted butter
1 ½ c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 extra large eggs, room temperature
18 oz. creamy peanut butter
3 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 ½ tsp. salt
18 oz. strawberry jam
2/3 c. salted peanuts, chopped

Preheat oven to 350º. Cream butter and sugar on medium speed, about 2 minutes. Add vanilla, eggs, and peanut butter, and mix on low speed. In a small bowl, sift flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add flour mixture to peanut butter mixture and mix on low speed, until just combined. Spread 2/3 of the batter in a 9x13 greased pan. Top with jam, using a knife to spread evenly. Drop globs of remaining dough over jam. Sprinkle with peanuts, and bake for 45 minutes ‘til golden brown.