PEANUT BUTTER CAKE BARS

These cakelike bars are packed with peanut butter and chocolate chips, and they are perfect for any occasion. Kids and adults alike are in for a treat with these tailgate gems.

—Charlotte Ennis, Lake Arthur, NM

Prep: 15 min. • Bake: 45 min. + cooling • Makes: 2 dozen

• ⅔ cup butter, softened
• ⅔ cup peanut butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 pkg. (11 ½ oz.) milk chocolate chips

1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream butter, peanut butter, sugar and brown sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in chocolate chips.
2. 2. Spread into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 45-50 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

1 bar: 277 cal., 14g fat (6g sat. fat), 52mg chol., 178mg sod., 35g carb. (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g pro.

TAILGATE CRATE

Keep a crate or box stocked with tailgate essentials so you’re ready to party at a moment’s notice.