Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars. AKA heaven. 

Another great recipe from Vegan Cookie Connoisseur. I continue to try and win non-vegans over with these bad boys. I don't think it's working, but everyone seems to enjoy them none the less. 

This recipe is a kinda lengthy process. The top layer takes a few hours to cool and harden so in a perfect world you would do that step, go on with your day, and make the bottom that night. Or feel free to speed of the process with a freezer, or if cold enough-stick the pan outside!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
• 2 teaspoons of shortening (earth balance makes a good one)
• 36 mini salted pretzels (yes, count, don't be lazy)
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
• 3/4 cups brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil
• 1/4 cups non-dairy milk
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/4 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

How-To:

1. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips and shortening
2. Do this in batches: dip the pretzels in the chocolate and distribute evenly on a piece of parchment paper.
3. Put the peanuts in the chocolate coating all of them
4. Pour the peanut/chocolate mixture on top of the pretzels.
5. Let this harden

Here is what the top layer should look like when done.

Now for the bottom peanut butter brownie layer:

1. Mix the peanut butter, brown sugar, oil, non-dairy milk, maple syrup, and vanilla together until smooth
2. Sift in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, stir until smooth
3. Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper and put mixture into pan
4. Bake for about 18 minutes, until slightly firm
5. Break the pretzel layer into small (1/2 inch) pieces
6. Scatter on top evenly 
7. Put the pan back into the oven with the door open for a few minutes in order for the chocolate to melt and adhere to the bottom layer
8. Stick the pan into the freezer for about 30 minutes-1 hour to inhibit the pretzels from becoming soggy 
9. Remove from freezer and cut into squares using a sharp, serrated knife