PB & C

Whoo hoo is all we can say when Grandma visits.  It is a fall tradition that Grandma comes to visit during the Remembrance Day weekend, one that started when it was just the hubby & I after we moved to Boston, way before the littles came along.  Looking forward to the season changing always reminds us of Grandma.  Maybe it is also because her Birthday is in September and that she is a School Teacher too.  We LOVE the fall and our visit together.  This year, in Ithaca, was just as special.  Of course, Grandma got to be the big little's "favorite" for a few days and gave Mommy a break (nice!).  The little little batted her eyelashes and gave her best coos and smiles and had Grandma wrapped around her little finger even though she was recovering from her ear infection.

"Fais do-do" French Lullaby, Merci Grandmaman!

Doing "art".  Thank you Grandma!

I've been wanted to try to re-create a special dessert that Mom & I ate when she used to visit us in Boston.  We would go to eat at a Pizzeria down the block from our shoebox of an "apartment" (using that term loosely) and we would forgo ordering lunch or dinner in lieu of apps and this amazing dessert.  One of Grandma's favorite things ever are Reese's Pieces Cups.  Chocolate & Peanut Butter together is one of life's magical combos.

I got this recipe for Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars from my dear friend Jill (yay U of A nurses!).  I've only slightly adapted it here.  Instead of spreading it out in a 9 X 13 inch pan, I made individual "cups" using paper muffin liners and my muffin tins.  Worked well!  The only thing that needs to be adjusted, is that I usually put a big thick chocolate layer over the peanut butter.  Made for a challenging effort with the spoon, when served with ice cream (like the Boston dessert).

Trust me, you will not be disappointed with this one!

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 1/2 cups icing sugar
2 cups creamy peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup melted butter

1 1/4 cups chocolate chips, melted (I use more!)
***optional melted butter*** (see below)

And so it starts...

In a large bowl combine crumbs, icing sugar, peanut butter, vanilla and melted butter.
Spoon mixture into a 9X13 inch pan, press evenly.
OR
Spoon mixture into paper muffin cups in muffin tin.  Makes 24.  Press evenly.

Pour melted chocolate over top, spread evenly.  If you want to make it easier to eat with a spoon, melt chocolate chips with some butter to thin out the chocolate layer.
If making squares, refrigerate uncovered for about 20min, slice into squares.  Return to fridge and chill until chocolate hardens completely.

We made the muffin tin ones, removed the paper and scooped on some ice cream.  You could also drizzle chocolate syrup and use any kind of ice cream that is your fav.  I got a great heads up on the flavor we used, thanks Mackenzie.  Yummy.

We ate these every-night that Grandma visited.

Sending Love,

Twin A