Chewy Peanut-Marshmallow Bars

Hello, I thought I would start off the day with something sweet!  Here is a recipe for some bars that are very similar to payday bars and oh so good.  I love them and I know you will too! http://chriscookin.wordpress.com/2010/07/08/chewy-peanut-marshmallow-bars/

Chewy Peanut-Marshmallow Bars

Chewy Peanut-Marshmallow Bars

Crust

¾ cup butter (1 ½ sticks)

¼ cup creamy peanut butter

1 pkg (18.25 oz) yellow cake mix

Filling and Topping

¾ cup creamy peanut butter

2/3 cup light corn syrup

¼ cup butter (1/2 stick)

3 cups miniature marshmallows

2 cups crisp rice cereal

2 cups dry-roasted peanuts

Prepare dough for crust. . .Preheat oven to 350F. Place butter and peanut butter in Small Micro-Cooker. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH 1 minute or until butter is melted; stir until well blended. Place cake mix in Large Mixing Bowl; whisk to break up lumps. Add peanut butter mixture; stir until thick dough forms.

Spread dough in pan and bake. . .Break apart dough and distribute over bottom of ungreased Large Bar Pan. Pat dough into pan; spread evenly using Large Spreader. Bake 18-20 minutes or until crust is set and golden brown. Remove pan from oven; let crust stand 2 minutes to cool slightly.

Spread filling over crust and bake again. . . Meanwhile, combine peanut butter, corn syrup and butter in Saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture is smooth. Spoon ½ cup of the peanut mixture over hot crust; spread evenly and immediately sprinkle with marshmallows. Return to oven ; bake an additional 1-2 minutes or just until marshmallows begin to puff. Remove pan from oven to Stackable Cooling Rack.

Top, cool and serve. . .Add cereal and peanuts to remaining peanut mixture. Spoon over marshmallows and spread gently in an even layer. Cool completely or until topping is set. Cut into bars.