Since we (ahem!) didn’t manage a dessert recipe on Monday, I decided to do one for today’s post. This recipe came to us from one of our workers; she brought it in one day for someone’s birthday. I must say, we all fell in love with it. When you take the peanut butter and combine it with the berries, it’s almost as good as combining chocolate and mint!!!

With all the berries in season now (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cherries……), you can really make this recipe with whichever type you choose. I like it with blueberries and/or blackberries best. But, be creative and come up with new combinations!

Fresh Berry Bars

3/4 cup softened butter (or butter substitute)

3/4 cup peanut butter (chunky or smooth)

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

2 1/4 cup flour

1/2 cup jam (choose one to match your berries, or mix and match!)

4 cups berries (you choose!)

Heat oven to 35o degrees: Line a 9×13 pan with aluminum foil

Beat butter and peanut butter on high for 30 seconds. Add sugars, baking powder and salt; mix. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until combined. Beat in flour.

Spread dough into pan. Pack down evenly. Bake 25 minutes until edges are golden brown.

Cool completely on a rack. Using foil, remove from pan. Discard foil and return to pan if desired. Spread jam and top with berries. Dust with powdered sugar. Yum!!