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.

Gooey Bars

There's one in every office. No matter how small or large, it seems that every office has the designated treat person. The person who provides the goodies for office celebrations, brings in themed desserts around the holidays and, if you're lucky, may bring in fresh chocolate chip cookies "just because". It's a love-hate relationship with the treat person. There are always the moans of diets thrown off track or healthy lunches ruined while hands reach for just one more brownie.

I am unabashedly the treat person in my office. I love testing out new baked good recipes, but it just isn't practical to eat all those tasty goodies myself...so I share. And while my coworkers occasionally outwardly balk , I know it wouldn't be my job performance skills they would miss if I left the office...

This recipe is easy. Really easy. Sure, it isn't gourmet, but it tastes really good and always pleases a crowd. Plus, you probably have most of the ingredients on hand. So, whip up a pan and show your coworkers a little baked good love.

Gooey Bars

1 pkg. yellow cake mix
2 eggs
1 stick of butter, softened
1 (1 lb.) package powdered sugar
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
1 t. vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9 x 13 inch baking pan. In medium sized bowl, combine yellow cake mix, eggs, and butter; mix well. Using your hands, press the mixture into the greased baking pan. Combine confectioners sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla and beat until creamy and smooth. Spread over cake mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Cut into squares and serve.