Peanut Butter-Fudge Brownies

Description

 * Cook Time: 10 minutes work + 15–20 minutes of baking + 30 minutes to cool
 * Serves: 16

Ingredients

 * oil or butter for the pan (if it's not non-stick)
 * ½ cup (1 stick) softened butter
 * 1 cup peanut butter
 * 1 cup (packed) light brown sugar
 * 4 large eggs
 * 1 teaspoon vanilla
 * 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
 * 1 cup unbleached white flour
 * ¼ teaspoon salt (if using unsalted peanut butter)
 * 1¼ cups semisweet chocolate chips
 * ½ cup minced peanuts

Directions

 * 1) Preset the oven to 350°F.
 * 2) While oven is preheating, lightly grease a 9x13 inch pan (unless you're using a nonstick pan).
 * 3) In medium-large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on high speed to cream together the butter, peanut butter and sugars.
 * 4) Lower the speed to medium, and add the eggs in one at a time, as well as the vanilla, beating well between each ingredient.
 * 5) Then, stir in the remaining ingredients, mixing by hand until everything is uniformly blended.
 * 6) Pour the batter into the greased pan, and bake on the center oven rack for 15 to 20 minutes or until the top feels firm and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
 * 7) Cut while still hot, but let brownies cool in pan for at least 30 minutes prior to serving.
 * 8) Can be served warm, cold or at room temperature.