Malted Peanut Butter Bars

Last night we had A LOT of people over for dinner - lots of James' friends from MBA school, and other people he has met networking over the past few years at Carlson. I spent most of my evening either cooking or comforting a sick kid, so I wasn't able to really enjoy all of our guests, but I always enjoy cooking and trying to set a pretty feast. I have all these lovely french linens from a favorite aunt that look beautiful in our backyard setting.... I meant to take some photos, but the evening was over before I remembered. Maybe next time you come for dinner I can try and recreate the atmosphere!

Since we had around 40 people, I thought it would be much easier to have a self-serve dessert, instead of trying to pass out dessert plates and forks to everyone. I made three different bars, wrapped them individually, and placed them in a basket so that people could eat as much (or as little) as they wanted while they chased their kiddos around. You can find one recipe here, another here, and this one is my own. So yummy!

Malted Peanut Butter bars

1 cup shortening

2 cups brown sugar

3 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

2 cups flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup malted milk powder

1 bag peanut butter chips

Cream brown sugar and shortening. Add eggs, vanilla, fold in dry ingredients, add chips. Bake in greased 9 x 13 for 30 minutes, or until golden. They are best if you slightly under bake.

I also have become a fan of beets recently, thanks to one of my neighbors making the most delectable beet salad at one of our weekly neighborhood barbecues. Last night I made a delicious beet salad too, but the dressing was something I purchased at our local farmers market. So I will have to see if I can recreate it so I can post it online. It must have been a big hit, because the bowl was totally empty, and I had made a lot hoping for leftovers....... Oh well. James better watch out, the beets may soon take the place of bruschetta this summer!

I also found it works quite well to let guests use my sewing room to change their kids diapers. Rather good for business!