#181 - Jam Striped Cocoa Bars

(by Shirley McNevich)

1 cup butter
3/4 cup Hershey's cocoa
1 3/4 cup white sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup grape jelly

In medium saucepan over low heat, melt butter, add cocoa, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat. Cool slightly. Add sugar, vanilla, and eggs--beat with a spoon until well blended. Add flour, baking powder and salt. Mix well. Spread into a 13 x 9 x 2 greased baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Test with a toothpick for doneness. Remove from oven and let cool. Spread peanut butter frosting over the top (listed below). With the end of a spoon handle, score diagonal ridges in frosting 1 1/2" apart. Heat the jelly in the microwave for 20 seconds and spoon into the ridges. Allow to cool until the jelly is set. Cut into bars. Makes about 3 dozen bars.

Peanut Butter Frosting:
1/4 cup butter
3 TBSP milk
1 cup peanut butter chips (Reese's)
1/2 tsp. vanilla
3/4 cup powdered sugar

In small saucepan, combine butter, milk, and pb chips. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from stove and stir in vanilla. In a small mixer bowl, combine hot mixture with powdered sugar and beat with mixer until thickened. Use immediately because it hardens fast.