Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Bars

Grease a 13- by 9-inch baking pan.

Bring sugar and corn syrup to a simmer in a large pot. Then remove the pot from the heat, add peanut butter and peanuts, stirring until smooth. Add Rice Krispie cereal and stir until incorporated.

Scrape half the mixture into the prepared pan and press it into the bottom and corners with a greased spatula (or with greased gloved hands if you are making a large volume). Sprinkle peanut butter chips or chocolate chips across the top, if using. Add the remaining Rice Krispie mixture, pat the mixture down.

Melt 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. Drizzle melted chocolate over top of the bars and spread to cover. Let cool completely, about 30 minutes. Slice and serve. (Bars can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days.)