Peanut Butter Bliss...Two Irresistible Recipes

My sister used to have a quote in her kitchen that read, "Everyone needs to believe in something...I believe I'll have another cookie!" And, of course, I have followed in my big sister's footsteps. This should be my first clue as to why I can't seem to whittle my waistline or lose those ever-lingering 15 pounds...I'm in love with cookies and donuts and these peanut butter goodies are no exception. And can you believe, I never even tasted either of these cookies that I can remember until my neighbors introduced them to me about 8 years ago. Tragic, I know. Now they are a household staple.

My kids request either of these two recipes anytime they have the opportunity to choose a homemade goodie, and almost within hours, the entire batch has completely vanished. Of course, that's my kids' fault--I only take a small bite...or maybe two...or a few nibbles...then a few hours later, just a few more. Certainly, I am not responsible for the disappearance of these yummy goodies!

In case you need a peanut butter and chocolate fix, here are my two fave recipes. And beware....they are not for the weak and faint of heart, nor anyone not wanting a temporary clog of the arteries. (These Peanut Butter Bars require an entire jar of peanut butter for their peanut-y goodness. Yowza.) But boy are they worth it!

Peanut Butter Bars

1 c. butter, softened
1 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1 c. peanut butter
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. flour
2 c. oatmeal

Cream together butter and sugars, add eggs, peanut butter, and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients together, and add to the butter mixture. Press into a large (10x15)
jelly roll pan or cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden brown along the edges. Let cool.

Frost with peanut butter (this usually uses up the rest of my peanut butter jar), and then with Chocolate Frosting (recipe below).

Chocolate Frosting

6 T. butter, softened
6 T. cocoa
2 2/3 c. powdered sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
2-3 T. milk

Beat butter and cocoa until blended. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk.



Peanut Blossoms

1 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. butter
1 c. peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 c. milk
2 eggs
3 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
Unwrapped Hershey's Chocolate Kisses
1/2 cup sugar set aside

Cream butters and sugars together, then add the rest of the wet ingredients. Mix in the dry ingredients. Roll into 1 1/2 inch balls, then roll in sugar. Place on cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 7-9 minutes. While still warm, press a chocolate kiss in the center of each cookie and let cool.

Enjoy!!