Nut Goodie Bars

From Shirley Evans
 Makes 2 dozen ( 1x3" ) bars
Tastes like the Pearson's Nut Goodie Candy Bar

1-1/2 lbs milk chocolate
1 square (1 oz) unsweetened chocolate
1 cup butter
1 box (3.4 oz) regular vanilla pudding mix
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1-1/4 tsp maple flavoring
2 pounds powdered sugar
1 pound Virginia salted peanuts

To prepare pan, carefully cover inside of 10 x 15" pan with aluminum foil and gently press in place, covering bottom and sides of pan. Lightly butter foil. Set aside.

To prepare bars: Melt milk chocolate and unsweetened chocolate. Spread a small amount of the chocolate to cover bottom of jellyroll pan. Put pan in freezer.

To prepare filling: In small saucepan, combine butter, pudding mix and milk. Bring to boil. Keep stirring. Don't worry if it gets a little lumpy or curdly. Keep stirring. Remove from heat.
Set aside to cool slightly. Then pour mixture into large bowl. Using electric mixer on low speed, beat in maple flavoring. Slowly add powdered sugar. Continue beating until combined and no lumps remain. Spread mixture over chocolate layer in jellyroll pan. Refrigerate till firmj.

To finish bars: Stir salted peanuts into remaining chocolate mixture. Mix well. Spread evenly over filling.

To cool bars: Refrigerate until firm. Cut into 1x3" bars or smaller for a pretty cookie tray.