Triple-Layer Peanut Bars

This accidently got torn out of my Taste of Home Cooking for 2, winter 2006, magazine. So, I'm putting it here for safe keeping

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Yields: 6 bars

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons butter, softened
• 3  tablespoons brown sugar
• 1  tablespoon peanut butter
• 1⁄4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour

• FILLING

• 2⁄3 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1  tablespoon butter
• 1⁄4 cup  dry roasted salted peanut, chopped
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract

• TOPPING

• 2  tablespoons  milk chocolate chips
• 1⁄4 cup  dry roasted salted peanut, chopped

Directions

1. In a small mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, peanut butter and vanilla.
2. Gradually add flour; mix well (mixture will be crumbly).
3. Press onto the bottom and 1/2 inch up the sides of an 8-in. x 4-in. x 2-in loaf pan coated with nonstick cooking spray.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until set and lightly browned.
5. Cool.
6. For filling, in a small saucepan, cook and stir the milk and butter over low heat until mixture comes to a boil and thickens.
7. Remove from the heat; stir in peanuts and vanilla.
8. Spread evenly over crust.
9. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-17 minutes or until set.
10. Immediately sprinkle with chocolate chips; let stand for a few minutes to soften, then spread over filling.
11. Sprinkle with peanuts.
12. Cool completely on a wire rack.
13. Cut into bars.