Peanut Butter Bars

One of the downsides to being pregnant, is not wanting to be in the kitchen much.  I actually try to avoid it as much as possible.  However, as of late I have been craving all things sweet and salty.  I decided to put on my big girl pants and brave the kitchen.  It felt so good to get out my Kitchen Aid.  The poor thing has been so neglected.  I was going to be all sorts of ambitious and make a coconut cream pie, but decided peanut butter bars sounded so much easier and equally as tasty.  If I start to feel overzealous again, I will be sure to post my pie recipe, because it's that good!  Penelope and I had a great time in the kitchen together.  I see a bright future in baking for that little girl of mine.

So without further adieu, my mama's peanut butter bars.... 

Peanut Butter Bars

1 1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

1 1/4 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 cup peanut butter

3/4 tsp. salt

1 1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 1/2 cup flour

1 tsp. vanilla

6 cups oatmeal

Chocolate Frosting

3 cups powdered sugar

1/3 cup butter, melted

1/3 cup cocoa

1/2 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream butter and sugars together in a large mixing bowl.

Add eggs and peanut butter.  Mix until combined well.

Add salt, baking soda, and flour and mix well.  Stir in vanilla and oatmeal.

Spread dough in a greased jelly roll pan.

^^^ I eventually used my fingers. ^^^

Bake for 15 minutes.  Remove from oven and spread bars with additional peanut butter, about a cup.

While waiting for your bars to cool, combine chocolate frosting ingredients.

^^^ While mixing the frosting, P went and found her mixer.  It was too precious. ^^^

Cover bars with chocolate frosting, cut into bars and enjoy!

^^^ First time experiencing the coveted beaters. ^^^