Lunch Lady Bars

This is actually a repeat post from a few years ago, but it's such a great recipe.  I made them the other day for "The Opening of the Mission Call!!!"  My son Jed will be serving in the Adriatic South Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints!!  He leaves July 3rd and we're all a little stunned. He'll be serving in the countries of Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, and Montenegro. He will learn Albanian.  Honestly the only thing I knew of these countries was they were embroiled in a deep civil war during my high school and college years. But from the research I've done over the last few days they all seem like beautiful countries, that I'm sure Jed will love.  We've heard so many good things from others who have served in Albania, and travelled there.  Big changes for the Clawson's:)

So here's the recipe for these lovely bars.  I hope they make you happy!!

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Oh Lomond View we love you.  You fill our hearts with pride.  Your loyal sons and daughters are forever on your side.  We will always love and serve you.........as long as there are Peanut Butter Fingers for dessert!!  OK so how many of you out there can remember your school song from elementary?  Hopefully someone out there went to Lomond View and was singing along as I sang.  The best thing about Lomond View Elementary was the desserts at lunch.  I'm sure my brother Josh was thinking it was Mrs. Stewart, our favorite 1st grade teacher, but believe me her middle name is actually "Trunchbowl".  She was one mean woman.  The cooks at Lomond View made the best darn desserts in this world making up for every mean thing Mrs. Stewart said. 

I miss all the homemade food that lunch ladies were famous for.  Back when I was in school, every lunch was made from scratch with a lot of TLC.  Even the mashed potatoes were real.  I loved the days that rolls were on the menu.  The whole school smelled like fresh bread.  You couldn't wait until lunch.  The only thing I really had to gag down was hamburger gravy.  Yuck!  but let's not talk about that.  Today my kids eat a lot of processed fried stuff.  Chicken nuggets, chicken patties, corn dogs (don't get me wrong.  I love a good corn dog!), even PB&J sandwiches out of a wrapper.  Everything is heat and serve and nothing is actually made in the school cafeterias.    I vote to go back to the old days when lunch ladies were the domestic goddesses of the school kitchen, and made the most divine desserts ever.

Remember, how every Fri. we had tacos and the most delicious, hot, cinnamon twists in this world.  How about the little specimen cup full of warm chocolate pudding with the perfect dollop of whipped topping on top, or the hot apple crisp with another perfect dollop of whipped topping.  I'll admit, every time I make apple crisp I strive to make it just like those lovely ladies at Lomond View.  The dessert of all desserts though was PEANUT BUTTER FINGERS.  I don't know how my mother did it, but she got her little fingers on the recipe to make those perfect love nuggets at home.  I'm ashamed to admit that I have made these before, but not with such stellar results.  My sister Hollie and sis-in-law Katie make an exquisite Peanut Butter Finger, but I have fallen short in my attempts.  Today was different though.  Today I made the best Peanut Butter Fingers in the whole entire world.  I could have been a lunch lady at Lomond View today.  Hollie would be proud.   Today I had a really good excuse to use up an entire pound of butter in the making of these cookies.  It was Achievement Day at the pool!!  All 8-11 year old girls and a few super fun leaders from my ward spent a warm July day soaking in the sun, splashing in the water, and eating Peanut Butter Fingers for our lunch.  Perfect!

Peanut Butter Fingers 

From the world famous Lomond View Lunch Ladies!

1/3 c. sugar

1/2 c. brown sugar

1 egg

1/2 c. peanut butter 

1/2 c. butter

1/2 t. baking soda

1/4 t. salt

1 t. vanilla

1 c. flour

1 c. oats

Mix butter, sugars, egg, peanut butter, and vanilla together until smooth.  Stir in flour and oats.  Spread the mixture on a grease 9X13 inch pan.  Bake in a 325' F. oven for about 10 minutes until puffed.  Don't over bake.  Cool.  Meanwhile whip 1 c. of peanut butter until slightly fluffy.  Spread on top of cooled cookie.   Top with fudge frosting and let sit in refrigerator for a few hours.  I actually doubled the whole recipe and baked it in a silver cookie sheet.  There was a little cookie dough left over and a little frosting, but it turned out great.  

Fudge Frosting

1/2 c. butter

4 T. cocoa

3 T. milk

1 t. vanilla

1 lb. powdered sugar

Cook all the ingredients on the stove except for sugar and vanilla.  Cook until the butter is melted and the sauce begins to bubble around the edges.   Beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla.  I couldn't spread the chocolate without ruining the peanut butter so I poured the frosting out in ribbons and it turned out great!