PB&J Chocolate Bars

We found this recipe in a recent issue of Food Network Magazine. It’s a great variation on peanut butter candy. The jelly layer really adds a fun flavor, and the crunch from the crackers and peanuts in the base is great.
Recipe courtesy Sarah Copeland for Food Network Magazine

Ingredients
For the base:
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 sleeve saltines (40 crackers , regular or whole wheat), finely crushed
• 3/4 cup finely chopped roasted peanuts
For the filling and glaze:
• 1/4 cup grape jelly
• 7 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 4 ounces semisweet chocolate , chopped

Directions
Make the base: Line an 8-inch square baking pan with foil, extending it over the sides. Put the butter in a medium heatproof bowl; position the bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water (the bowl should not touch the water). Once the butter melts, stir in the sugar and cocoa. Whisk in the egg; cook, whisking, until the mixture is warm and the consistency of hot fudge, 6 minutes. Remove from the heat; mix in the saltine crumbs and peanuts. Press the crust into the pan. Set aside the saucepan of water.

Make the filling: Spread the jelly over the crust in the pan; place in the freezer for a few minutes. Beat 5 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon butter, the peanut butter and confectioners' sugar with a mixer until light. Spread over the jelly layer; return to the freezer while you make the glaze.

Place the chocolate and the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a heatproof bowl; set over the pan of simmering water and stir until the chocolate is melted. Remove from the heat; stir until smooth. When cool but still runny, spread the glaze over the chilled peanut butter layer. Freeze for another 30 minutes.

Use the foil flaps to remove the bars from the pan; cut into squares while still cold. (I found it worked best to take my time while cutting the bars—if I used a gentle “sawing” motion the bars were able to be cut without the chocolate shattering.) Serve cold and keep leftovers refrigerated.