One of my favorite parts of the day occurs very early – we’re talking sub 6am here – when my Mom and meet to go on a walk around the neighborhood. She drives over from her house a couple blocks away, then waits in the driveway until I stumble out my front door still half asleep, and we pause to giggle at each others outfits as we head down the street.
Pants that are 3 inches too short for her, and Ben’s basketball shorts that come down below my knees for me – both with hair that rivals Medusa’s.
This usually isn’t a big deal during the colder months, when we’ve still got several hours left before the sun comes up, but then daylight savings time inevitably kicks in and puts our wretched fashion show on display for the whole neighborhood to see in the spring.
You should hear the dogs howl!
Anyway, the distasteful fashion isn’t why I adore the time of the day so much, rather, it’s the company. While putting a couple miles under my belt as the sun rises is awesome, mostly I just love being able to spend 30 minutes each day with my Mom.
We talk about all kinds of stuff – work, family, plans, news, celebrities – and occasionally get to reminiscing.
Last week we got to talking about foods my brothers and I hated growing up. Pork chops, succotash, (SUCKotash is more like it,) broccoli stems, ham loaf, and of course, cooked carrots, came to mind – but also, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
It’s true. I freaking hated peanut butter & jelly sandwiches when I was growing up, and still do, actually.
That sickeningly sweet PB&J combo makes my tongue recoil, and I much preferred to open up my lunch box as a kid to find a Bologna, Lettuce & Mustard Sandwich waiting for me inside.
Unless, of course, that PB&J combo comes in the form of a baked good with a sweet, summertime element, like Fresh Strawberry Peanut Butter Bars. Leave it to a baked good to change any deeply rooted distaste!
Luscious peanut butter cookie bars slathered with sweet strawberry preserves and topped with fresh strawberry halves, completely shatters my previously held hatred for mixing the flavors of peanut butter and jelly together.
Dense and not too sweet, the burst of fresh strawberry flavor in these bars totally won me over!
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Fresh Strawberry Peanut Butter Bars
Description
Fresh Strawberry Peanut Butter Bars are a decadent, yet fresh dessert that will squash any PB&J craving!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2-1/4 cups flour
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam (could use jelly or preserves)
- 4 cups strawberry halves (about 1-1/2lbs)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat together butter and peanut butter in a large mixing bowl until well combined, about 30 seconds. Add sugars, baking powder, and salt, then beat to combine. Add eggs and vanilla, then beat to combine. Add flour, then mix until it's just incorporated.
- Turn dough out into a non-stick sprayed 9x13 baking dish, then spread it into an even layer with your fingers. Bake for 25 minutes, or until dough is set in the center. If the sides begin to brown too fast before the center is done, gently lay a piece of foil on top of the baking dish, and continue baking.
- Cool completely, then spread strawberry jam on top and top with strawberry halves. Cut into bars and serve. Store covered in the refrigerator.
Notes
From BHG.com
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
The juicy strawberry halves are just as thick as the peanut butter cookie dough underneath, and gives these bars the fresh, healthy-tasting twist I think I was always searching for in a PB&J sandwich.
But let’s not over look the peanut butter cookie! Chewy, and ultra-dense, it is the perfect base for these sweet, summertime bars. YUM!
~~~~~
Are there any foods you hated as a child, that you still hate to this day?
Totally still hate succotash. The lima beans are what get me!
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Lindsey 05.22.2012
What gorgeous photos!! The colors are so striking!
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Betsy 05.21.2012
Eggs…I won’t touch them with a 10ft. pole unless I am putting them in a baked good. I couldn’t get past the smell or the fact that many people, my new husband included, load them down with ketchup. YUCK!
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Tina 05.16.2012
Oh how I hated lima beans too!! I used to hide them in my mashed potatoes just to get them down-Blech!!!! Also bean soup, funny though, I have grown to really like that now:) I am so jealous that you can spend such wonderful time with your mom-wish my mom was closer-it would be nice:) Thanks for the blog-I love reading it everyday!
Rhona 05.16.2012
OMG, I thought i was the only person on the planet that hated pb&j sandwiches. even today, the smell turns me off. i am glad i am not the only person as people always look at me like i am crazy when i confess i hate pb&j.
this recipe looks good. i think i am slightly scared but i am wiling to try it. i have a guest coming this weekend so i might whip this up.
Amanda @ Semi-Health Nut 05.16.2012
I love PB&J and always have! Peanutbutter toast (with or without jelly) most mornings for breakfast!
Seriously I am pinning all of these photos!
I’m waiting for your cookbook (with photography by you). Or your novel. You are amazing lady!!
Sarah @ RunningChickago 05.16.2012
Wow, these seriously look great. I’ve been looking for a recipe involving peanut butter and strawberries (I have a ton in my fridge!) Thanks for sharing!
Julie 05.16.2012
LOVE PB&J!!! Hate liver, raisins, brussel sprouts, peaches.
CycloneMom 05.16.2012
I LOVE pb&j. Growing up my Grandma always had tons of strawberries in her garden and made the best strawberry preserves. Nothing better than a pb&j after school. I still eat them, It used to be daily almost the past 9 years as a SAHM. My sister hates pb&j.
Growing up I was a picky eater. I’ve gotten *a little* better, but hate most vegetables. The smell of cooked cauliflower about sends me over the edge.
Steph 05.16.2012
I have been looking for a new dessert to try this weekend, and thanks to you I found just the one!
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Allison 05.16.2012
One food that I have disliked my entire life is cantaloupe. I just can’t stand the flavor. I can eat about two chunks without gagging, but then I’m done.
I might add that Kitcen Aid attachment to my wedding registry. I would like one a mixing tool that goes to the bottom of the bowl.
Liz 05.16.2012
This looks freaking fantastic! Absolutely delicious :)
Brenda 05.16.2012
I hate PB & J too. but these bars look awesome! maybe for the Memorial Day grill out! thanks