Fresh Strawberry Bars and Hello

Hi everyone, I'm Robyn. I'm Ellen's cousin (by marriage) and I was excited to see this blog. I'm a stay at home mama, I love to blog, I love cooking and am excited to share recipes with you girls. I've already seen some yummy ones on here that I want to try.

Here is another way to use up strawberries... or an excuse to buy the flat! I made these bars for book club when I hosted at my house the other night, and they were a huge hit. Girls even asked to take some home for their husbands. Perfect for me, since I didn't feel compelled to devour the rest of them the next day! It's like a peanut butter blondie with a big dose of summertime on top. They're great because I usually have all the ingredients on hand...

The only notes I have for the recipe is to be sure and use freezer jam, and also, I used crunchy peanut better because that was all I had, but I think it gave the crust more texture, so I used it again the next time, too. I think you could bake a little longer than the time required, depending on how things are looking. I also served it with some fresh whipped cream on top.

Fresh Strawberry Bars (via BHG magazine)

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam
  
• 4 cups small whole strawberries, halved or quartered

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 13x9x2-inch baking pan with foil, extending foil beyond the edges. Set aside.

2. In large mixing bowl beat butter and peanut butter on medium to high for 30 seconds. Beat in sugars, baking powder, and salt until combined. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until combined. Beat in as much flour as you can with mixer. Stir in remaining flour.

3. Spread dough in prepared pan. Bake 25 minutes or until top is lightly browned and toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.

4. Cool completely on rack. Remove from pan by lifting foil. Spread jam and top with berries. Cut into bars. Serve at once or refrigerate up to 6 hours. Makes 24 bars

Nutrition Facts

Calories 225, Total Fat (g) 10, Saturated Fat (g) 5, Monounsaturated Fat (g) 4, Polyunsaturated Fat (g) 1, Cholesterol (mg) 33, Sodium (mg) 143, Carbohydrate (g) 30, Total Sugar (g) 18, Fiber(g) 1, Protein (g) 4.