Back to School Brownie~Peanut Butter Bars

Summer hasn't even ended, but in some parts of the country, kids have already started back to school. 

 Ari has his backpack ready!

However, for the majority of the kids, the day after Labor Day is the usual.  Our daughters, Erin and Kelly, looked forward to this day; new books, new supplies, and their uniform pressed and laying out.  I loved planning a special treat to put in their lunch box for the first day, adding a little note to "have a good day!"

My mother baked special treats too.  Cookies and brownies, homemade, always made looking forward to lunch that much more enjoyable.  I remember sharing these treats with my best friends while talking about our new teacher(s) and what our favorite subjects were. 

So, whether your children are off to school or are home schooled, these brownie treats are sure to be a hit for the start of a new year of learning.

Brownie~Peanut Butter Bars
3/4 cups (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2" pieces
5 oz. chocolate, bittersweet or semi-sweet, chopped
1/3 cup cocoa
3 large eggs
2 cups sugar
1 T Vanilla Extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2/3 cup smooth peanut butter (homemade or bought)

Prepare either a  12" x 17" sheet pan or a 9" x 13" baking pan by brushing with melted butters.  Add a sheet of parchment paper, fitted to the pan, and brush again with melted butter.
In a double boiler, add the chocolate, cocoa and butter.

Melt completely.  Remove from heat and let cool.  Meanwhile in the KitchenAid, using the whisk attachment, beat eggs until thick and lemony.

Add the sugar while the mixer is running and incorporate completely.  Add the cooled chocolate mixture and beat thoroughly.  While the mixer is running, add the vanilla.  Finally add the flour, baking powder and salt and stir into the mixture.  Pour and spread into prepared pan.  (I used the 12 x 17 sheet pan to speed up the baking time, but for a "thicker" brownie bar, use the 9 x 13 pan)

Add dollops of peanut butter and use a fork to "marble" it through the brownie mixture.

Bake in the preheated oven.  For the 12" x 17" sheet pan--12-14 minutes;  For the 9" x 13" baking pan--20-22 minutes.  Let cool completely, then cut into bars.  Enjoy!