Sunday, May 18, 2008

Sweet and Salty Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jam Bars

My last suggestion for your Homemade Strawberry Jam....Ina Garten, "The Barefoot Contessa," is responsible for this sensational homemade bar cookie that will encase your homemade strawberry jam. She gets all the credit.
I'm jealous of Ina. I'm jealous of her talent, her beauty, her smarts, her house, her life. I'm even jealous of her sultry nickname. But mostly I'm jealous of her culinary courage. Her cookbooks are shimmering with butter, encased in cream, and resplendent with egg yolks. I wish I was brave enough to eat like that every day. But I'm afraid. I'm afraid of clogged arteries, high blood pressure, death and big fat jeans. So, when I do make some of Ina's spectacularly delicious recipes, I make a few little changes. Like the addition of oatmeal and wheat flour. I'm hoping that a bit of insoluble fiber will counteract the effects of saturated fat, refined sugar, and unabashed envy. You may want to make a double batch.

Sweet and Salty Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jam Bars
Estimated Cost: $3.50
Notes: I added a generous pinch more salt than is called for. I also used peanuts on only half the bars (picky kids); but I happened to photograph the nutless ones.
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup flour (I used whole wheat)
1 cup old fashioned oats
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup homemade strawberry jam or purchased jam-any flavor
1/3 cup roasted salted peanuts, chopped
Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease an 8 inch square baking dish. In a medium bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add vanilla, egg, and peanut butter, stirring until smooth. In a separate small bowl, combine flour, oatmeal, powder, and salt. Stir into peanut butter mixture. Layer 2/3 of peanut butter mixture in prepared baking dish. Cover with jam and top with remaining peanut butter mixture, by spoonful. Sprinkle with nuts if desired. Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Notice the perfect dress for enjoying all things strawberry.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I feel exactly the same way about the contessa, so I'm thrilled about having some healthier options! I love the tablecloth and darling apron, too! I can't wait for my marketing day. I'm buying a truck load of strawberries!

Leah said...

You're right, if anyone can add a calorie, it's Ina! I need to stay away from her cookbooks for a little while, my jeans are feeling a little tight thanks to too much Barefoot...boo hoo!!

The bars look amazing though, Prudy! You've made such great use of your jam!

Fantastic Mr. R said...

My favorite photo is the one with the cute as a button strawberry dress to match the bars. Why can't we ladies, like Ina and I, wear those kind of dresses and look cute in them? Either way, I'm excited to try this recipe!

Jenny said...

These look terrific! I love the strawberry dress to go along with the bars. Too cute!

MK and Co. said...

My favorite part of the last picture was that adorable brown hand on the table. It looks sweet and salty and delicious. I think Adam Michael would enjoy this one since peanut butter and jelly are among the five things that he enjoys eating!

MK and Co. said...

I just realized my last comment sounds like I thought the brown hand on the table looked sweet, salty and would taste so great. I know I'm a hungry girl but I'm not that hungry! I was refering to the dessert and not said hand!Yikes!

Clumbsy Cookie said...

Everythime I come to your blog I find myself with a stupid smile on my face, that music you've put here is just genius! This tart looks great too I'm all pro matching the food you eat with the clother you're wearing!

Macy said...

I made this recipe a while back and loved it. Thanks for posting it and reminding me that I need to traipse through my Barefoot Contessa cookbooks again!

Sharon said...

All I can say is YUM! Sweet & Salty is one of my favorite combos. I love your layout. Thanks for the visit I'll be back as well! :)

Leslie said...

The fork caught my eye..we have the same ones! These jam bars looks divine!
Oh and your children...beautiful!!!