Peanut Butter Bars

When Dad returned from his high school reunion this summer, his eyes lit up when he was telling me about these peanut butter bars he had. He is at the age where they plan these events every year as opposed to every decade, and he always looks forward to each one. (He graduated from Norma High School in 1954 in Scott County, Tennessee.)

Their reunions are typically pot lucks where attendees bring their favorite dishes. Bernie Mason had her hands full with these peanut butter bars, so Dad offered to help her carry them inside. After trying one, he loved them so much that he said,

"Do you see that lady over there (pointing to Mom across the room)? Will you give her this recipe before you leave today?"

"Well yes, but it's not my recipe. This recipe belonged to your Aunt Gladys."

Dad was so surprised. He never knew that his Aunt Gladys (Lawson Murley) worked in the cafeteria at Norma High School. Apparently, she frequently made these peanut butter bars for the students. Unfortunately, she passed away at a very young age in the 70's, so it is pretty remarkable that she is still getting credit for this recipe more than three decades later. I love that! I love even more how this has caused a chain of events, further connecting me to past generations.

I was reminded that Gladys was one of my grandma's (Laura Lawson Harness) younger sisters. They're the two who are poking their heads behind their father on the back row (circa 1961). You'll notice ten children in this picture, and all weren't present!

 
In memory of Gladys and in celebration of the fact that most schools are now in session, you should try some of this old fashioned goodness.

Peanut Butter Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 stick butter, softened
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup self-rising flour

Directions:
Cream together butter and peanut butter. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla.  Mix well. Fold in flour. Pour into a greased 8x8 casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Note: The first time I made these bars, I substituted Splenda for the sugar. While the taste was essentially the same, the texture was not. They ended up being very crumbly and not chewy at all.