PEANUT BUTTER BROWNIES

FOR THE BROWNIES:
5 tablespoons butter
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
FOR THE CHOCOLATE GLAZE (OPTIONAL):
1/3 cup heavy (whipping) cream
1 (6 ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup)
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour 8-inch-square baking pan.

Melt butter in 2- to 3-quart pan over low heat. Remove from heat. Stir in sugar, eggs, vanilla, peanut butter, flour and baking powder. Mix until well blended. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until edges feel firm to touch and begin to turn a shade darker. Run knife between pan rim and brownie. Place pan on rack. Cool in pan for 1 hour.

TO MAKE CHOCOLATE GLAZE (IF USING):
In 1- to 2-quart pan, combine whipping cream and chocolate chips. Place over low heat. Heat, stirring frequently, until melted and smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Makes 16 brownies
Source: Sunset Magazine