If you live in
a downtown condo and own an extra parking space, it's a common occurrence to be
asked to borrow a parking space. From one night for a Preds game to an entire
weekend for a visiting friend or family member, I am always more than happy to
lend an unused spot. One day I saw a
post on my condo’s Facebook page from Ron, a resident, requesting a parking
spot for his mother's upcoming visit. Unfortunately for him, due to so
many downtown events, there weren’t too many free spaces. Ron's post
began with "My mother is an excellent baker and will be happy to share
some of her goodies, if someone would let her use their parking spot for the
night." As I had no plans to use
any of my parking places, I offered mine and told him it was not necessary to
give me baked goods. I thought nothing more of it.
Well, one morning, as
I walked through the lobby, the concierge told me there was a package waiting
for me. Along with several other cakes and cookies, Ron's mother made
these addictive, Crispy Peanut Butter Treats. My next post to the
building Facebook page was "The next time Ron offers his mother's baked
goods in exchange for a parking space, I suggest you move your car to the
Pinnacle building across the street and give him yours." Thank you,
Ron, for getting your mother to share her recipe with me.
Line a 9” x 13” pan with parchment paper
or spray with nonstick spray. In a medium
sized mixing bowl, mix together the peanut butter, melted butter, vanilla,
confectioners’ sugar and brown sugar.
When blended, add Rice Krispies.
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared
pan.
Place 1 cup of the chopped chocolate into a medium sized microwave
safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds. Remove and stir. If chocolate is not thoroughly melted,
microwave for another 20 seconds. Repeat
if necessary but do not overheat the chocolate. Remove from the microwave
and add the remaining 1/2 cup of room temperature chocolate to temper and cool
the mixture. Add 1 teaspoon of shortening so the chocolate remains softer after
it cools.
Spread the chocolate evenly over the peanut butter mixture. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes before
scoring the chocolate to make squares.
Let harden completely before serving.
I store these treats and prefer to eat them directly from the
refrigerator. For a printer friendly copy of this recipe, go to Crispy Peanut Butter Treats. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
§ 2 1/2 cups of peanut butter
§ 1/2 cup butter, melted
§ 1 teaspoon vanilla
§ 2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
§ 1/2 cup light brown sugar
§ 1 cup Rice Krispies
§ Pinch of salt
§ 1 1/2 cups semi sweet or milk chocolate (chips
or finely chopped)
§ 1 teaspoon shortening
