Peanut Butter Bars

These are both one of the easiest possible desserts I have ever made, and one of my most frequently requested treats.  Hardly a party or event goes by when friends do not ask me to bring along a batch of peanut butter bars, and I am more than happy to oblige, because of the minimal effort involved – I can quickly whip up a batch in next to no time at all, regardless of how much time is spent in the lab that week.
Peanut Butter Bars 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup peanut butter, smooth or chunky
• 1 1/2 package (12 1-ounce squares) semi-sweet baking chocolate

Directions:

1. Line 13x9” baking pan with foil, with ends of foil extended over sides of pan.
2. Melt butter in a large microwaveable bowl on high for 45 seconds, or until melted.  Add sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and peanut butter; mix well.  Spread into prepared pan.
3. Melt chocolate in a double boiler or a glass bowl tightly set over barely simmering water, stirring until thoroughly melted.  Cool slightly, and pour over peanut butter mixture in pan.
4. Cut partially through dessert to mark 48 squares.  Refrigerate 1 hour or until set.
5. Lift from pan, using foil handles.  Run a knife under warm water, dry, and then cut all the way through dessert into squares.  Store in airtight container for up to 1 week – but I bet they won’t last that long!