Peanut Butter & Jelly Bars ( Makes 24 Bars )

Ingredients:
1/2 pound ( 2 sticks ) unsalted, room temperature butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 extra - large eggs, at room temperature
3 cups creamy peanut butter, such as Skippy
3 cups all-purpose flower, plus more for dusting pan
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 cups raspberry jam or other jam
2/3 cups salted peanuts, coarsely chopped

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9 * 12 * 2-inch baking pan.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed until light yellow, about 2 minutes. With the mixer on low speed, add the vanilla, eggs, and peanut butter and mix until well combined.

In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture. Mix just until combined.

Spread two thirds dough, using a knife to spread it evenly. Spread the jam evenly over the dough. Drop small globs of the remaining dough evenly over the jam.

Don't worry if all of the jam isn't covered; the dough will spread when it bakes. Sprinkle with the chopped peanuts and bake for 45 minutes, until golden brown. Cool and cut into small squares.

Credits: Picture and Recipe by: Emma F., Percy Julian Middle School