Chewy Salted Peanut Bars

It's Jason's birthday today. I am almost a year older than he is, but I always get giddy when his birthday rolls around. Why? Because for 5 whole days, he can't call me "old" without insulting himself, also. I do so love those 5 days out of the year when he has to bite his tongue! Anyhow, tomorrow is Allison's birthday, and with mine coming up on the 23rd, there's just too much cake shoved our way in such a short time frame. This year, I decided to do something a little different and make one of Jason's favorite peanut bar treats for his birthday instead of cake. It tastes a lot like Payday candy bars, so if you love Payday, you will surely love these homemade bars, too!

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup additional butter, softened
3 cups mini marshmallows
2 cups peanut butter baking chips
2/3 cup corn syrup
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
2 cups peanuts, salted

Directions

Combine the flour, brown sugar and 1 cup of softened butter. Press into an ungreased 13x9 inch baking pan. Bake crust at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Remove crust from oven, sprinkle marshmallows over baked crust, then return to the oven for 5 additional minutes or until marshmallows start to melt. Remove from oven and set aside.

In a large saucepan, heat and stir the peanut butter chips, corn syrup, vanilla and 1/4 cup of butter until smooth. Remove from heat, then stir peanuts and cereal into the mixture. Pour over prepared crust, spreading evenly to cover.

Allow bars to completely cool before cutting and serving. Store in an air-tight container.

These would also make a lovely holiday gift, instead of cookies or candies. Just package them up in a cute little box, separate bars with some festive paper, and voila! Quick and easy holiday treat!