Peanut Butter Cups/Buckeyes

Buckeyes are something I grew up with.  This is not my original recipe...it's been passed down in our family since forever.  We all do it slightly differently based on preference, whether our own or that of the ones we are making it for.  We always had these at the holidays, or when my brothers requested them because they've always been a favorite.  I'm sharing this with the world because I think everyone should get to enjoy this easy and tasty treat.  Enjoy!  And remember it always tastes better when you share with someone you love!
















Ingredients; 1 pckg graham crackers (crushed), 2 cups peanut butter*, 2 sticks butter (melted), 2c. powdered sugar, 1 pkg chocolate bark or semi-sweet chocolate chips**

Mix everything EXCEPT chocolate.
To make bars/cups;
Spread into a 9x13" casserole dish and refrigerate 30 minutes.  Heat chocolate in 10 second increments in microwave until melted (stirring each time and being very careful not to overcook)***.  Spread melted chocolate over peanut butter mixture and refrigerate 30 minutes or until chocolate hardens.  Cut into 1" squares and share.

For Buckeyes;
Roll peanut butter mixture into small bite-size balls, place on cookie sheets and refrigerate 1-2 hours until they are stiff enough to dip in melted chocolate.  Use a toothpick to dip balls into melted chocolate, leaving a dime size bit on top not covered.  Return to cookie sheet and refrigerate 30 minutes until chocolate is hardened.  Makes about 5 dozen buckeyes. 

*Regarding peanut butter, my mom uses creamy, I use crunchy or sometimes a half and half mix of both.
**Chocolate Chips vs. Chocolate Bark;
a. chocolate bark doesn't burn as quickly as chips
b. chocolate bark doesn't seize up as quickly as chips
c. there is a more consistent taste with chocolate bark
d. the original recipe calls for bark, but chips work fine if they are all you have you just have to be careful not to burn the chips.

***Melting Chocolate: I prefer the microwave method.  With bark you can go on a 20 to 30 second cycle depending on the power of your machine.  With chips you have to check it more often because it burns faster.  ALWAYS stir between each cycle!  always.  You don't have to get it perfectly drippy, if you stir it and it comes mostly together STOP the process and just keep stirring.  Trust me!  If you keep stirring at this point it will come together using the heat held in by the bowl.  If you heat it any further it will seize up and make a nasty, smell, burned mess that will make you curse ever having to tried melting chocolate.