Frosted Peanut Butter Bars

Frosted Peanut Butter Bars

1/3 cup shortening
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup milk

Frosting:
2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup shortening
4 cups confectioners sugar
1/3 to 1/2 cup milk

Topping:
1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 tsp shortening

In a large bowl, cream the shortening, peanut butter, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk. Beat well after each addition. Transfer to a greased 15 x 10 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 F for 16-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. For the frosting: In a small bowl, cream the peanut butter, shortening, and confectioners sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in enough milk to achieve spreading consistency. Frost the bars. In a microwave, melt the chocolate chips and the shortening. Stir until smooth. Drizzle over the frosting. Store in the refrigerator. Makes 5 dozen