These tasty bars have good texture contrasts and are an easy treat to serve a crowd. They look attractive on a tray, especially if you put colored sprinkles on top of the frosting! Ingredients 3/4 cup butter softened 1 1/2 cups Sugar 3 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/3 cups Flour 3 tablespoons baking cocoa 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup chopped nuts optional 4 cups miniature marshmallows TOPPING: 1 1/3 cups Chocolate chips 1 cup peanut butter 3 tablespoons butter 2 cups crisp rice cereal

Instructions
In a small bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla.
Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in nuts if desired. Spread in a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. (A rimmed cookie sheet will work, but barely! Something with taller sides is better).
Bake at 350° for 15-18 minutes. Sprinkle with marshmallows; bake 2-3 minutes longer. Remove to a wire rack. Using a knife dipped in water, spread the melted marshmallows evenly over top. Cool completely.
For topping, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter in a small saucepan or microwave safe bowl. Cook and stir over low heat or microwave, stirring frequently, until blended. Remove from the heat; stir in cereal. Spread over bars immediately. Chill.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Deluxe-Chocolate-Marshmallow-Bars

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Yields: 3 Dozen