Peanut Butter Bailout Bars

As you may be aware, I work on Capitol Hill for a Member of Congress. Thus, I have been smack in the middle of the economic tornado our country has been dealing with for the past two weeks.

And when the going gets tough, the tough gets cooking. After another long day at the office, I spent the evening in the kitchen, whipping up some goodies for my hard-working staff as a treat when the economic rescue bill (hopefully!!) passes this afternoon.

I settled on one of my favorite recipes from childhood - an easy to make bar that tastes even better than a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. They are usually called Peanut Butter Gems, but, for one day only, I am rechristening them Peanut Butter Bailout Bars. The value of our retirement portfolios may be in free fall, but you can still get a pretty good deal on chocolate chips... Enjoy!

Peanut Butter Bailout Bars/Peanut Butter Gems
Recipe from my Mom :)

1 c. butter, melted
3 c. powdered sugar
1 c. crunchy peanut butter
1 pkg. graham crackers, crushed (just one of the little cellophane wrapped sleeves)
1 12 oz. pkg. semi sweet chocolate chips

Combine melted butter, powdered sugar, peanut butter and graham cracker crumbs in mixing bowl, stirring to combine. Spread mixture in 9 x 13 pan, pressing down evenly to ensure complete coverage of the pan. Melt chocolate chips in microwave or over very low heat. Spread melted chocolate over the peanut butter mixture. Chill in refrigerator for 1 hour prior to cutting and serving.