Brownie Goody Bars

“No thank you.”

That was the first thing my Dad said when he saw this dessert sitting in front of him Saturday night.  He took one look at it and wouldn’t touch it.  He, who has been within 5 lbs of his thin college weight, since he graduated eons ago.  “It looks too sweet.  No thank you.”

Fine then.  More for us.  Can’t say the kids said “no thank you” when they saw it.  They couldn’t have shoveled it in fast enough (I gave them small pieces, I swear), but then they also have my Mom’s sweet tooth and there might not be a “too sweet” treat for them.

Was it sweet?  Sure.  But not like a cavity-seeking-missile sweet.  It’s fine in small doses, and the perfect thing for your resident chocoholic.  Recent break-up?  Singing the unemployment blues? Need to bring something to a potluck?  This recipe just might be your new best friend.  Until the next new recipe comes along anyway.  With the sweet, slightly crispy topping, a little bit of saltiness from the peanuts, the next layer of frosting, and the bottom brownie layer, it’s got something to please every sense along the way.

Project 365
May 19, 2010, Photo #98

First, even though there is a nice big bottle of Vodka in the background of this picture, I promise that’s not what’s in Madeline’s cup. Just had to get that out of the way for those that take things at face value or too seriously. Last week, The Neighbor Wife taught Madeline the word “Cheers!” and of course, the fun clinking glasses gesture that goes along with it, and it’s something she’s delighted in doing ever since. Last night, I may or may not have inadvertently taught Madeline the word “crap.” As in, I feel like crap. Of course, she didn’t miss a beat and repeated it ad nauseum. Nick tried to cover my tracks and tell Madeline that it was a bad word that Mommy shouldn’t have said, but you know that only makes her say it more. Ooops.

P.S.  Thanks for all the well wishes.  Today I feel like crap, which is a modest step up from feeling like death yesterday.  Penicillin is clearly a wonder drug.

Brownie Goody Bars
Recipe courtesy of Betty Crocker

1 box (1 lb 6.5 oz) Betty Crocker® Original Supreme brownie mix
Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on brownie mix box
1 container (1 lb) Betty Crocker® Rich & Creamy vanilla frosting (I nearly made my own, but went with canned. Usually I’m not a fan, but it was fine here)
3/4 cup salted peanuts, coarsely chopped
3 cups crisp rice cereal (I used Rice Krispies)
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 bag (12 oz) semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups)

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottom only of 13×9-inch pan with cooking spray or shortening. (For easier cutting, line pan with foil, then grease foil on bottom only of pan.)
2. Make and bake brownies as directed on box for 13×9-inch pan, using water, oil and eggs. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
3. Frost brownies with frosting. Sprinkle with peanuts; refrigerate while making cereal mixture.
4. Measure cereal into large bowl; set aside. In 1-quart saucepan, melt peanut butter and chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly. Pour over cereal in bowl, stirring until evenly coated. Spread over frosted brownies. Cool completely before cutting, about 1 hour. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Store tightly covered at room temperature.

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