Deluxe Chocolate Marshmallow Bars

There is absolutely nothing good about these. In the healthy aspect. These are chunks of delicious sin. And the most delicious things on the whole planet. :) The marshmallow, peanut butter, and chocolate just meld together to create a tastebud party.

3/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3 TBSP baking coca
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
4 cups mini marshmallows

Topping:
1 1/3 cups chocolate chips
3 TBSP butter
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups crisp rice cereal

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar for 2 minutes or until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until fluffy. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, cocoa; add to creamed mixture. Stir in nuts. Spread in greased jelly roll pan. Bake at 350' for 15-18 minutes. Sprinkle marshmallows evenly over cake; return to oven for 2-3 minutes. Using a butter knife dipped in hot water, spread melted marshmallows evenly over cake. Cool. For topping, combine chocolate chips, butter and peanut butter in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until melted and well blended. Remove from heat, stir in cereal. Spread over bars. Chill.

Yield: 3 dozen