Tasty Tuesday ~ Scioto Hills PB Bars

Some tastes "take you back" to special places & times; this recipe is just such a recipe. It reminds me of arriving late at night with vans full of teenagers to weekend retreats. We were served pizza & peanut butter bars, & there never seemed to be enough bars. These are addictive in a great way. ;) Hey, it's protein! I hope some of those teens out there who are now grown and baking will enjoy this recipe as a little "blast from our past" that's a keeper for our present. My kids love these ... and my big kid too. ;) If you read Marriage Mondays yesterday and heard about what my hubby did on my awful day, you will know that these bars are a good thing to make when he does things like that. :)

Scioto Hills Peanut Butter Bars

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 pan. (or see my preference below)

Mix until smooth:

• 1/2 c. margarine/butter
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 1/2 c. brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 t. vanilla
• 1/3 c. peanut butter

Add to the creamed mixture:

• 1 c. flour
• 1/2 t. baking soda
• 1/4 t. salt
• 1 c. oatmeal

Press the mixture into a greased pan. I actually like to use one that isn't "deep," but more of a jelly roll pan (makes them a little thinner). Bake for approx. 12-15 min. but not til brown.

While baking and then cooling .... mix this amazing icing:

• 1/8 c. butter, softened
• 1/4 T. vanilla
• 2 c. powdered sugar
• 1/4 c. milk
• 3/8 c. peanut butter

Mix and spread over the cooled cookies. (You're going to want to save yourself a spoonful just to eat by itself!) Makes about 2 dozen, depending on how you cut them. Have lots of milk or coffee on hand when you eat them, and hide the rest like you would hide vacation money or Christmas gifts ... or they will all go away fast. They make great lunchbox treats or slumber party goodies or youth group retreat arrival food :).

Thanks to Jen for hosting Tasty Tuesday and Lisa for hosting Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, where great recipes get swapped!