Deluxe Chocolate Marshmallow Bars

Deluxe Chocolate Marshmallow Bars

3/4 cup butter or margarine

1-1/2 cups sugar

3 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons baking cocoa

1/2 cup chopped nuts, optional

4 cups miniature marshmallows

TOPPING:

1-1/3 cups (8 ounces) chocolate chips

3 tablespoons butter or margarine

1 cup peanut butter

2-3 cups crisp rice cereal

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until fluffy. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa; add to creamed mixture. Stir in nuts if desired. Spread in a greased jelly roll pan. Bake at 350° for 15 – 18 minutes. Sprinkle marshmallows evenly over 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 topping, combine chocolate chips, butter and peanut butter in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until melted and well blended. Remove from heat; stir in cereal. Spread over bars. Chill.

Yield: about 3 dozen