Peanut butter finger bars have a way of disappearing [UPDATED]

Published 12:29pm Tuesday, October 4, 2011 Updated 12:30pm Tuesday, October 4, 2011

By Debbie Irmen

When my kids were little and involved in kid activities, there were often occasions when a pan of bars was required. Working full time left little time to spend making the bars, so this recipe became my standby.

If I really forgot until too late, then Service Food or Sunmart was pressed into service.

But because these bars go together so quickly and only take about 20 minutes to cook, I could usually find a few minutes to whip them up.

Raise your hand if you feel awful taking any of your potluck offering home. I do. Then I second-guess my cooking and question my taste … oh such insecurity. With these bars, I rarely took any home and when I did it it was only a couple — just a enough to whet the appetite for more.

Some might say I’m a slow learner — after the first few times I brought home an empty container, I should have started making two pans. But I didn’t and often didn’t get a taste of what became my favorite bar.

I went for several years making the bars but once a year and had forgotten how easy, quick and delicious they are.

Lately, I have made them several times for various functions and I now make two pans, so I bring home an empty pan, but have a whole pan to enjoy at home — the best of both worlds.

These bars freeze well, too, so throw one in the freezer for a quick dessert or the next potluck. Give’em a try for your next occasion and see if you take any home.

Peanut Butter Fingers

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1/3 cup peanut butter

1/2 teaspoon soda

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup flour

1 cup oatmeal

Combine above ingredients. Press into a 9-by-13-inch pan and bake 20 to 25 minutes in a 350-degree. When done, sprinkle with chocolate chips and let melt for a few minutes. Meanwhile microwave 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup peanut butter and 3 tablespoons milk, for 30 seconds at a time, stirring between heating.

It usually takes about 90 seconds in my microwave, but be careful, yours might take more or less time.

Beat until smooth and spread over melted chocolate chips.

These yummy bars were a potluck hit at many functions when my kids were younger.
  1. brandon b

    his sounds sooooooooooooooooo good! i think i might have to make a pan………..or 5!

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