Peanut Butter n' Jelly Bars

I can't even believe it myself, but I am blogging again in less than a week with a new recipe. Woot! AND, even better, I've tried two MORE new recipes since making this one and plan to share those, too. This is unprecedented territory, people. :)

I made these bars for the family reunion last weekend. I thought I'd try them out - I like to try new recipes for big events like that, so that if I don't care for it I'm not stuck with a whole pan. There's always *someone* who will love it! I thought these would be a hit with the kiddos, but I'm honestly not sure if any kids even got any, because the adults were gobbling them up first! They were sooooo easy to make, they're definitely going into my "must have" recipe book for future use.

Here's the recipe:

1 tube (16 1/2 oz.) refrigerated peanut butter cookie dough
1/2 c. peanut butter chips
1 can (16 oz.) buttercream frosting (I used cream cheese - couldn't find the buttercream)
1/4 c. creamy peanut butter
1/4 c. seedless raspberry jam or grape jelly (I used grape, and didn't measure - just put a few dollops on and swirled)

Let dough stand at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften. Press into an ungreased 9x13 dish; sprinkle with peanut butter chips. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 - 18 minutes or until lightly browned and edges are firm to the touch.

In a small mixing bowl, beat frosting and peanut butter until smooth. Spread over bars. Drop jam by teaspoonfuls over frosting; cut through frosting with a knife to swirl the jam.

Yield: 2 dozen

What I liked about this recipe: As I said, it was super easy to make! It's also kid friendly, as little hands could help press the dough into the pan, sprinkle the chips, spread the frosting, etc.

What I didn't like: Unless you have most of this stuff on hand, or watch for sales, it's kinda pricy to whip together. I think it cost me about $10 for everything I needed (dough + frosting + jelly + chips). Granted I didn't use all of the chips or jelly, but they are not normally things we keep on hand so now my husband is suffering through pb & j lunches and I have 3/4 of a bag of pb chips in the freezer to use up somehow (maybe on more of these?!). I will also say that the jelly doesn't really "swirl" per se. It's kinda clumpy and no where near as pretty as the photo that is with the original recipe that was clipped from Taste of Home. I'm wondering if they didn't heat their jelly a little bit before swirling it? I guess if appearances matter, you could try that....

SO! There ya go! Two of grandma's recipes down, and two more waiting in the wings (Tater Tot Taco Casserole and Banana Cake)! Stay tuned!