Renee's Peanut Butter Blondies

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup shortening
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups brown sugar, packed
3 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
Frosting
1 lb confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup shortening
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup hot water


Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat two 13x9 inch baking pans with cooking spray.

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat shortening, peanut butter and brown sugar on medium-high speed for 3 minutes.

Add eggs; beat 3 minutes more. Add vanilla.

On low speed, beat in the flour mixture. Stir in the peanuts.

Divide batter between prepared pans. Bake at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool slightly.

Frosting:

Beat confectioners' sugar, peanut butter, shortening, salt, and vanilla. Add hot water, a little at a time Beat until smooth. Spread over blondies while still warm.