Peanut Butter and Chocolate Crispy Squares

This recipe is one of my TOP 5 FAVORITE TREATS OF ALL TIME. I can eat THE WHOLE PAN. I think they are PERFECT. I can make fancy twisty yeasty bread, all-afternoon back-breaking cakes, painstaking pastries, but when I want something sweet, these ALWAYS fit the bill. Anyone can make these for me ANYTIME. But if you don't, I WILL.
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Crispy Bars
3 T unsalted butter, plus more for baking dish

4 cups miniature marshmallows

1/3 cup creamy peanut butter, preferably natural

1/2 tsp coarse salt

6 cups puffed rice cereal

nonstick cooking spray or butter, for pressing

1 pkg (12 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips, melted

1/4 cup chopped, roasted salted peanuts

1. Butter an 8-inch square baking dish*. In a large pot, combine marshmallows, peanut butter, butter, and salt. Cook over medium, stirring, until melted, about 4 minutes. Add cereal and stir to combine.

2. With a wooden spoon greased with cooking spray or butter, press half the cereal mixture into dish. Spread half the melted chocolate on top. Repeat with remaining cereal mixture and chocolate; sprinkle with peanuts. Makes about 16 squares. Store in airtight container up to 3 days.

* Double the recipe to make in a 9 x 13 pan. But careful, I might come over and eat THE WHOLE PAN.

Recipe from Everyday Food, July/Aug 2010