Instructions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter a 13- by 9-inch baking pan.

To make the batter: Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt onto a sheet of wax paper; set aside. In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light. Beat in the peanut butter and vanilla until blended. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in the flour mixture until blended. Fold in the peanuts.

Spread the batter in the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the pan. Cool thoroughly on a wire rack.

Heat the chocolate chips over low heat, stirring gently, until they are almost completely melted or microwave on high, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted. Remove from the heat and stir until smooth. Cool slightly. Spread the chocolate in an even layer over the cooled bars. Let stand until set. Cut into bars.

This recipe yields 24 bars.

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