Frosted Peanut Butter Bars

These are not the nasty school cafeteria peanut butter bars.

Frosted Peanut Butter Bars

Bars:
1/2 c. peanut butter
1/3 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 c. milk

Frosting:
2/3 c. creamy peanut butter
1/2 c. shortening
3-4 c. powdered sugar
1/3 - 1/2 c. milk

Topping (optional)
1/4 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp. butter

In a large mixing bowl, cream the peanut butter, shortening, and brown sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Add milk; mix well. Transfer to a greased 15x10 inch baking pan or cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 16-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely.

For the frosting, in a bowl, cream the peanut butter, shortening and the powdered sugar. Gradually beat in enough milk to achieve spreading consistency. Frost bars. Melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over frosting. Refrigerate. Yield 5 dozen.