Peanut Butter Treats

A couple of weeks ago I decided to try a new recipe for my "on call" snacks.  I haven't actually been on a normal call this month...just "swing" call.  We take this when we are on the heme-onc service as it is one of the busier services...usually getting at least one new admit a night.  On our swing nights, we stay late, anywhere from 6:30-9pm depending on how busy we are and how busy the on call team is.  So, I took these days as my treat taking day.

  Abby made these blondies a while back, pondering as to whether they are brownies or blondies.  So philosophical!  ;-)  These were good, but I felt like they didn't have very much peanut butter flavor after baking (for some reason, that seems to happen a LOT with peanut butter baked goods).  They also had a lighter texture, i.e., more cakey, than a blondie or brownie should be.  I think blondies and brownies should be pretty dense and fudgy.  Overall, however, they were good!  Just about anything you take to the lounge goes away very quickly!   

Peanut Butter Brownies
Sources: Bakespace; Southern Living

1/2 cup peanut butter, smooth or chunky
1/3 cup butter
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup AP flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt

1. Preheat oven to 350*.
2. Combine peanut butter and butter in large bowl, blending well.
3. Gradually add sugars, beating until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs, beating well. Stir in vanilla.
5. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt in separate bowl. Add to creamed mixture, stirring well.
6. Bake for about 30 minutes, but be careful not to overbake. Bars can become hard quickly.