Peanut Butter & Jelly Bars

Did you grow up with a dream of what you would become when you "grew up"? Me too. I think we all do that, as a way of assessing our skills and interests. I have always been obsessed with fashion. It has always fascinated me in a way I cannot explain. I appreciate it as a form of art. To me, it is not about labels or the "latest thing". I love it for its ability to adapt and change throughout history.

I have also always dreamed of attending fashion school. Since I am a big dreamer, I did not just want to go to any fashion school. The school that has always been my goal to attend is Parsons School of Design. It is an exclusive art school in the heart of New York. It has managed to produce more successful fashion industry leaders in the last decade than any other school. It also stands as the second best fashion school in the world!

Way to dream big, right?! I figured I should give it a try and see if I could possibly get in. I submitted my application and hopelessly waited on an answer. I did not have any fall back schools. It was either Parsons or nothing. I incessantly checked the mailbox for any sign of a letter. After almost two grueling months of waiting, it finally came. The envelop that held my future was sitting on my kitchen counter. It was large and rectangular, which I felt had to be a good sign. I slowly opened it, and pulled out a large folder. Inside the folder was a letter. I scanned through it to find an answer. Then I found it, I was accepted! I could not believe it. All I could do was jump and scream. After all of these years of dreaming, it was actually coming true.

I know this will be an exciting new chapter in my life, and definitely a dream come true. I cannot wait to see what I find through my experience at Parsons and New York.

Here is a little trip down memory lane. If you like peanut butter, you will LOVE these bars. They have a peanut butter cookie base. They are topped with peanut butter frosting and have a little strawberry jam swirled in. The jam is not overpowering, so do not be afraid of it. These would make a perfect back-to-school treat. They are so easy to make that they can into any hectic "mom" schedule.

You will Need:

For the bars:
1 (17.5oz) bag of peanut butter cookie mix
3 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 tbsp. water
1 egg
1/2 cup peanut butter chips


For the Frosting:
1 can of white frosting
1 tbsp. milk
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup seedless jam

1.) Pre-heat oven to 350 and spray a 9x13in. pan with non-stick cooking spray. (This is the cookie mix I used)

2.) Mix together: cookie mix, egg, water, and oil.

3.) Stir in peanut butter chips, and spread dough evenly into the greased pan.  Bake for

4.) In a small bowl, combine frosting, milk, and peanut butter .

5.) Allow bars to cool completely before frosting them. 

5.) Spread frosting evenly on cooled bars.

Drop jam by the tablespoon on frosting, and used a knife to create a marbling effect.