Coffee-Chocolate Peanutty Bars

My sister just made these for me.. WOW! I think they are great because I can't take a lot of sugar in the morning and these tasty treats are just the right combination of chocolate, peanut butter, salt and sugar. None of the flavors are dominant, they all seem to come together to create perfect balance. I'm thinking that the coffee in the recipe enhances the chocolate! You have to try these!

Dough

¾ cup butter, softened

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 egg

2 tsp. vanilla

½ tsp. salt

2 cups all purpose flour

1. Heat your oven to 350 degrees F. Use a 15 x 10 x 1” baking pan and grease lightly.

2. In a large bowl, beat the ¾ cup of softened butter on medium for 30 seconds. Add the brown sugar and beat again until mixed. Beat in the egg, vanilla and salt until ingredients are well blended. Slowly add flour mixing well. Spread the dough in your greased pan.

3. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until the edges become golden brown. Place on wire rack to cool. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Frosting

1 12oz. package semi-sweet chocolate morsels

3 Tbsp. butter

¼ cup hot strong coffee (or espresso for a bolder taste)

¼ cup peanut butter

1 cup powdered sugar

1. In a small saucepan, combine chocolate and 3 tablespoons of butter. Stir over low heat until completely melted. Remove from heat and transfer to a medium size bowl.

2. Add coffee and peanut butter and whisk until combined. Add powdered sugar and whisk until smooth. Spread on prepared dough. Let stand until frosting is hardened.

3. Cut into bars and serve. Makes delicious bars!

These go great with a cup of coffee...black, no cream or sugar. But just a warning: they will not last long!