Buckeye Bars

When I was a kid, at every year Christmas time our refrigerator was bombarded with homemade treats from my dad's church members.  I specifically remember this one lady would make us a batch of buckeyes.  You know, the peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate?  I remember my dad not wanting to share them.  (I didn't really care because for some reason, I don't like chocolate and peanut butter together, but it is one of my family's favorites).

Ok fast forward to a few Christmases ago when I tried to make these myself because I am a good wife who likes to give good gifts to her husband (who happens to love anything that has to do with peanuts).  Ok, can we say WORK!  The recipe even called for edible wax that you melt into the chocolate.  If you know anything about me, you know that I love to cook, but I do not like to cook complicated dishes with a hundred steps.

This year I came across a recipe from the Kraft Foods magazine.  It was just my speed and turned out very good (even from a girl who doesn't like chocolate and peanut butter together).  Last night Steven called a very rare night meeting with some of his staff.  I asked him if he wanted to take the rest of the bars.  He said "No."  I guess he is afraid the same amount of time will lapse before I attempt this dessert again.  Well he doesn't need to worry.  I will make them again because they were so easy . 

Here's the recipe, let me know if you try them!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

3/4 cup  crunchy peanut butter (I used half smooth, half crunchy)

22 NILLA Wafers, crushed

2 cups  powdered sugar

1/2 of 8-oz. tub COOL WHIP Whipped Topping (Do not thaw.)

3 squares  BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate

LINE 8-inch square pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides. Beat butter and peanut butter with mixer until blended. Mix in wafer crumbs. Gradually add sugar, mixing well after each addition. Press onto bottom of pan.

MICROWAVE COOL WHIP and chocolate in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1 min.; stir. Microwave 15 to 30 sec. or until chocolate is melted; stir until blended. Spread over peanut butter layer.

REFRIGERATE 2 hours. Use foil handles to lift dessert from pan before cutting to serve.

Comments

[sara-anne]

I love buckeyes...I need to show my darling hubby what they are suppose to look like ....last saturday he was in charge of buckeyes and they ended up looking a bit more like cow patties :)

[Kimberly Wallace]

Hi there!

I serve as the Creative Arts pastor at a church in Goodlettesville, TN and I regularly watch the Elevation services online and read several of the blogs. I am always encouraged, challenged and inspired by the message and work being done at Elevation.

I used your recipie for the peanut butter bars and made a batch last night, and they came out fantastic! Very quick and easy. I have two sons, who are ages 2 & 3 who are just 20 months apart, and they were very interested in why Mommy was using their cookies in her project, though! Nilla wafers are their favorite!

Merry Christmas and many blessings to you and your family!
Kimberly Wallace
www.livingtogo.org

[Marla Saunders]

Thanks for the recipe! Heading out to buy the ingredients now to make them for a Student Ministries Staff party tonight. So on their behalf...thank you!

PS: Loved seeing you all at Catalyst. I sat across the aisle from you on the side for a few moments when you and Pastor Steven first came into the auditorium!

[Jes]

The almond bark idea is what I was going to suggest. Chocolate almond bark is WAY easier than trying to get the wax to chocolate ratio just right and it tastes GREAT!

[Becca]

Holly,
You blog is so amazing! I love coming to this site and reading up on your family and experiences!! I LOVE the new pics, they truely are AMAZING! Thank you for keeping us entertained!
<3
Becca

[Lindsay]

Having lived in Ohio, I grew up with Buckeyes and they were great! Since I moved to SC I haven't had them and I now you have me craving them! I love your new blog! I pray for you, your family, and you church daily, I hope someday I will get to come and visit your great church.

[Cristi Welch]

Girl have you ever heard of "Almond Bark" ? You just microwave melt it, dip, cool and DONE! Try it you'll like it! Seriously!

[Drea]

those were big when we live in OHIO. We served at a church up near Sandusky for 2 years. Buckeyes were new to us the 1st year we were there :-) My husband is a huge Buckeye fan now tho! hehee

[pam]

Having grown up in the Buckeye state, these were a staple at any church Holiday gathering. We never made them at home, because my mom had the same philosophy of cooking and baking that you do, Holly. I've never attempted them myself, because of a similar attitude about cooking. I like simple and quick.

The bars sound like a great alternative, and I plan to try them sometime soon. I'll let you know what we thought. Thanks for sharing this! : )

[Gail]

My mom used to make what they called peanut butter bon bons. These are just like buckeyes, but instead of leaving an exposed end of peanut butter you dip the whole thing in the chocolate. What a wonderful wife to make these for your hubby! I'm sure he appreciates you. :)

[jen wade]

I'll have to try this. I love peanut butter and chocolate together and was just thinking about making buckeyes yesterday. I've never tried to make them before, but if you say they're time consuming and difficult, I believe it!

[Stephanie]

1. Those sound very good and I will HAVE to make them for Josh.
2. Love the new pictures.
3. Finally posted my Christmas decoration pictures on my blog. (I couldn't comment on your other post cause they weren't up yet.)
4. That website I told you about the trees/wreaths is www.omnifarm.com

[Sarah]

Love the new family pics..
Cheyenne did an amazing job!!

[littlesanctuary-Kim]

I love those things. I haven't been to your blog in a while. Love the new look. I saw pics of your new niece on facebook she is a cutie.