Chocolate-topped peanut butter bars a deluxe indulgence

These wonderful bars can be made simply or enhanced with additions that really take them over the top.

This recipe will fill a 9-by-9 metal baking pan.  The size of the serving is up to you. You can cut these into 12 large pieces or much smaller pieces — this is your preference.

To begin, soften 1 large jar of peanut butter. I used crunchy Jif, as it works well and has a slight salty taste that is great in this recipe.

You want the peanut butter to be very soft, nearly in a liquid state.

Pour the melted large jar of peanut butter into a large mixing bowl.

Add two sticks of fully melted salted butter.

Mix together until fully incorporated.

Sift 4 cups of powdered sugar over this mixture. Combine well.

Add more sifted powdered sugar until you have a consistency like Play-Doh.

Press this mixture into the 9-by-9 pan lined with parchment.

Place in the fridge for a while as you prepare the topping.

Melt two bags of chocolate chips ­— one milk chocolate and one semi-sweet.

Add 1/2 stick of salted butter — melt this as well.

Melt to the point the chips and butter are fully melted and can be poured.

Remove the peanut butter mixture from the fridge.

Pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture over the peanut butter mixture. Make sure the mixture goes right to the edge.  

If you do not want to add anything extra to the tops, put the dish back in the fridge for about 30 minutes to set up. Remove from the fridge and use a hot knife to slice into the size you prefer.

I love to “gild the lily” and add toppings that make these very special. You will want to add any extra toppings while the chocolate is not set; this will allow the toppings to really stick and for your dessert to have a custom look.

It is easy to add nuts, small candies, chopped candied ginger, sea salt, nonpareils, red hots (really good) or candied citrus peel; the possibilities are endless.

With this basic recipe, you could easily come up with a signature topping to customize this to your liking or to the liking of the recipient.

Packaged in the many attractive tins and boxes available online or in stores, these bars are something you could use for Christmas and holiday gift-giving.