No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

contributed by Laura Thompson

Ingredients:

2 cups peanut butter, divided into 1 and 1/4 cups, and 3/4 cup

3/4 cup butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

3 cups graham cracker crumbs

2 cups (12 oz package) chocolate chips, divided into 1/2 a cup, and 1 and 1/2 cup

GREASEĀ  13×9 inch pan

In a large bowl, beat 1 and 1/4 cup peanut butter and softened butter until creamy. Gradually beat in ONE CUP of the powdered sugar. With hands or wooden spoon (I used the spoon, it worked great), work in remaining powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Press evenly into prepared pan, smooth top with spatula if needed (I didn’t…my fingers did just fine).

MELT remaining 3/4 cup peanut butter and 1 and 1/2 cup chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Pour over graham cracker mixture in the pan. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until chocolate is firm. Cut into bars. Store in refrigerator.