Peanut Butter Bars

I’ve made these bar cookies many times, especially when my children were younger.  They aren’t too sweet and are relatively wholesome (as far as cookie are concerned).  They can be made with oats or coconut.  We like them both ways, but these particular ones were made with oats.  They keep well and are good with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

Ingredients:

1/3 cup shortening

1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy either one is fine)

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 eggs

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 can flaked coconut or 3/4 cup old fashioned or quick oats (I used old fashioned oats this time)

Directions:

Place shortening, peanut butter, and sugars into large mixing bowl and cream together until light and fluffy.

Add vanilla and eggs, beat well.

Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt.  Blend well, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.

Stir in oats or coconut, depending on which you are using.

Spread evenly in a greased 9 x 13 pan.  Batter will be very thick, it may be helpful to use a piece of wax paper to press it down in the pan.  The back of a spoon works well too.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Cut into squares and serve.