Easy Peasy Peanut Butter Bars

This bar features one of my all-time favorite ingredients: natural chunky peanut butter! With just 3 ingredients (and vanilla), you can't beat it for simplicity. And if you decide to add a thin layer of chocolate topping (or a drizzle of chocolate syrup like I did while it was still cooling) you get the combo of a peanut butter cookie bar and the flavor combination of a peanut butter cup. Very yummy!

Taste, texture and deliciousness

Ingredients

• 1/2 c granulated sugar  
• 1 egg
• 1 c chunky peanut butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract     

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray and 8x8x2 pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside
2. In small mixing bowl, combine sugar and eggs and, using an electric mixer, beat until light and fluffy
3. Add peanut butter and vanilla, beating until thoroughly combined [it will be thick].
4. Spread evenly in prepared pan, pressing down slightly to make smooth and even.
5. Bake in oven until the top is lightly golden, approximately 20 minutes.
6. Remove pan to wire rack; cool 5 minutes and run a knife around the edges to loosen.
7. Invert pan onto rack to remove mixture. Let cool completely. If desired, spread lightly or drizzle with chocolate topping/syrup.
8. Let cool completely. Cut into sixteen 2-inch squares; wrap each square individually in plastic wrap and store in refrigerator.

               
This recipe is adapted from a Weight Watcher cookbook, so you get flavor plus reduced calories. Cut it into 16 squares and enjoy 1 square as a treat. Total calories: 123 calories; 5 g protein; 9g carbohydrate; 106 mg sodium; 17 mg cholesterol. Each piece (old program)  has  1 Fat Exchange; 1 Protein Exchange; 35 cal. Optional Exchange (with chocolate on top).