Peanut Butter Cup Bars

Like many other households, ours has recently been brainstorming ideas for the Thanksgiving weekend. And when I say weekend, I mean Wednesday through Sunday. Typically that's how long our Thanksgivings last, probably because it's our most important holiday. I suppose I can't speak for everyone, but it's definitely my favorite holiday.

Our family usually requires massive amounts of delicious food, so it's not about the turkey. I love the fact that the holiday just revolves around us being together and doesn't have all of those gift wrapped traditions pressures society puts on other holidays. Since we are spread out all over the country, busy, and are religiously diverse, it's the only holiday we get both sides of the family.

It's usually a bit chaotic, but in a good, lots of family sort of way. For as long as I can remember, my parents have always hosted Thanksgiving (with the exception of maybe one or two). If you know my mom, you wouldn't think it was possible she could accomplish more than she does on a regular basis, but she does, and it's amazing. Somehow, year after year she accommodates our friends, family, friends of family, and even sometimes extra pets for multiple days. She always nearly single-handedly cooks absurd amounts of delicious food for all week, no matter how many unexpected guests arrive (everyone is always welcome), and she makes sure that everyone gets leftovers...even if that means making an extra lasagna or turkey. It's quite awesome.

This year will be a little different, for various reasons, the weekend will consist of only 9 people. That's a huge difference from the usual 15-20 we are used to. It will be unusually quieter, but I promise it will never be quiet. It will be a good thanksgiving of course, but I can say right now that I will miss pummeling my little cousins with pillows. You know, to show 'em who's boss. And I know grandma (and the rest of us) will miss her only 'grandson'.

Speaking of grandma, this recipe was made for her, apparently she has quite the taste for Pb&Chocolate. I popped these babies in the freezer to save for Wednesday when she comes up, but I think I'm going to make another batch with either the graham crackers (which I eliminated this time), or some Rice Crispies.

It's a little odd that for someone who isn't crazy about peanut butter & chocolate, I've posted 2 recipes in a row with them...but hey...anything for grandma.
Peanut Butter Cup Bars
Printable Recipe
by Kacey's Kitchen - multiple sources

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 3/4 cups confectioner’s sugar
• 1 cup peanut butter, smooth or chunky, your preference
• 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (optional, I did not use)

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1. Line 8x8 pan with wax paper for easy removal.
2. Melt 1/2 cup butter on low heat. Remove from heat and stir in confectioner’s sugar.
   
3. Add peanut butter and graham cracker crumbs, stirring until creamy. Spread mixture into pan, patting down evenly.
4. Melt 1/4 cup butter on low heat. Add chocolate chips and stir until chips are nearly melted and very soft. Remove from heat and continue stirring until chocolate is smooth and shiny.
5. Spread over peanut butter layer. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Cut into bars.
6. Store in fridge or freezer.