Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

Our 2nd anniversary was this past Monday and we decided on not exchanging gifts because we are trying to save money. Instead we decided we would do dinner and a movie, which is odd for us to do more than once or twice a month (which we had already done this month). It was a lot of fun, a really great evening. Despite the fact that we decided on no gifts, we both came home with something for each other! How funny is that! Peter got me 9 pink roses (my favorite). 1 for each year we had known each other and 1 for the future. I decided that the best way to Peter's heart was with food, so I baked! I decided to make brownies, his favorite. I also decided to give it a whirl at making them from scratch, something I rarely do with brownies because they hardly ever turn out! As a back up, I bought a box of brownie mix, just in case! Peter's favorite flavors are chocolate and peanut butter, so I combined the two and came up with a swirly peanut butter-y chocolate brownie.

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
(source: Nestle and ME!)


1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
2 tablespoons water
2 bars (4 oz. total) unsweetened chocolate bars
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups peanut butter chips


Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Microwave sugar, butter and water in a large microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) power for 4 to 5 minutes or until mixture bubbles, stirring once. Remove from heat. Add baking bars; stir until melted. Stir in eggs one at a time until incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract. Add flour, baking soda and salt; stir well. Stir in peanut butter chip, they may melt a little and that is ok! Pour into prepared baking pan.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky. Remove to wire rack to cool completely.