Recipe: Salted Peanut Bars (with marshmallow filling)

SALTED PEANUT BARS



FOR THE CRUST:
1 1/3 cups flour
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons corn starch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup butter OR margarine
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 cups mini marshmallows

FOR THE TOPPING:
2/3 cup light corn syrup
2/3 cup butter OR margarine
1 package (10 ounces) peanut butter chips
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups crisp rice cereal
2 cups salted peanuts

TO MAKE THE CRUST:
Mix flour, brown sugar, corn starch, salt, baking powder and baking soda in a large bowl. Cut in 1/2 cup butter using a pastry blender OR two knives. Add egg yolks and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mixture will be crumbly. Press into an ungreased 13x9-inch pan.

Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with marshmallows; return to oven for 3 to 5 minutes, until marshmallows are puffy. Cool completely.

TO MAKE THE TOPPING:
Heat corn syrup, 2/3 cup butter and peanut butter chips in a saucepan over low heat until smooth. Remove from heat. Add 2 teasponos vanilla, cereal and peanuts. Spread over cooled baked crust; chill 1 hour or until firm.

Cut into 24 bars.

Makes 2 dozen bars
Source: Argo Corn Starch and Karo Corn Syrup