I don't often use cake or brownie mixes in my cooking. This recipe is a contradiction that I'm drawn to when I'm short of time and need something that can be thrown together quickly. The chocolate and peanut butter in these bars guarantee that they will be popular, and for reasons that I have yet to determine, the combination seems to mask other artificial flavors that I swear I can  taste in other baked goods made with mixes.  These brownies are named after a chocolate and peanut butter confection that is popular in many areas of the country at Christmas time.  While these bars are easy to make, the dough is sticky and can be difficult to work with. I've found it helpful to keep my hands wet while patting it into place. I also try to make these a day before I plan to serve them. I think they slice in a far nicer fashion if they have time to firm up before being cut. I suspect many of you have already tried these bars, but I wanted to feature the recipe for those who may have missed it when it was first published by Better Homes and Gardens. I think you'll like these brownie bars. Here's the recipe.

Buckeye Brownie Bars

Ingredients:

1 (19.5-oz.) package brownie mix

2 eggs

1/3 cup cooking oil

1 cup chopped peanuts

1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan. Set aside.

2) In a large bowl, combine brownie mix, eggs, and oil. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Stir in peanuts. Remove half of the brownie mixture and set aside. Spread remaining brownie mixture evenly into prepared pan.

3) In a medium bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter until smooth. Spread evenly over brownie mixture in pan. Separate the remaining brownie mixture into pieces, flatten them with your fingers, and place them on top of the brownie mixture in pan.

4) Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until top is set and edges are lightly browned. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Makes 32 bars.

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