Deluxe Chocolate Marshmallow Bars - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter or 3/4 cup 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 powder
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
4 cups miniature marshmallows
Topping
1 1/3 cups chocolate chips
3 tablespoons butter or 3 tablespoons margarine
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups crisp rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies)

Preparation

Cream butter and sugar together in a bowl.
Add eggs and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
Combine dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture, stiring in nuts, if desired.
Spread in a greased jelly roll pan.
Bake at 350 F for 15-18 minutes.
Remove pan from oven and sprinkle marshmallows evenly over the base.
Return to the oven for 2-3 minutes.
Then take a knife, dipped in warm water, and spread the melted marshmallows evenly.
Cool.
For topping, mix chocolate chips, butter and peanut butter in a small saucepan.
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until melted and mixed.
Remove from heat, stir in cereal, and spread over bars.
Chill in fridge until cool and ready to cut.