Deluxe Chocolate Marshmallow Bars

Deluxe Chocolate Marshmallow Bars

3/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/3 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp baking cocoa
1/2 cup chopped nuts, optional
4 cups miniature marshmallows

Topping:
1 1/3 cups (8 ounces) chocolate chips
3 tbsp butter
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups crisp rice cereal

In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs and the vanilla. Beat until fluffy. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa. Add to the creamed mixture. Stir in the nuts if desired. Spread in a greased 15 x 10 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 F for 15-18 minutes. Sprinkle the marshmallows evenly over the cake. Return to the oven for 2-3 minutes. Using a knife dipped in water, spread the melted marshmallows evenly over the cake. Cool. For the topping, combine the chocolate chips, butter, and peanut butter in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until melted and well blended . Remove from the heat. Stir in the cereal. Spread the topping over the bars. Chill.
Makes about 3 dozen