1/2 cup soft butter or margarine
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
Peanuts, for garnish, optional

Preparation Instructions:

1. Cream butter with sugar and peanut butter.

2. Add vanilla and egg, beating until fluffy.

3. Stir in baking soda and salt.

4. Blend in flour. Mix until a stiff dough forms.

5. Shape into walnut sized balls. Place on lightly greased cookie sheets. Press with fork, crisscross, to flatten.

6. Sprinkle with peanuts, if desired.

7. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

Tips: for extra crunchiness, add 1/2 cup chopped, unsalted peanuts to the dough after mixing in the flour.

Per serving: 85 calories; 1.9 g protein; 5.5 g fat; 7.7 g carbohydrates; 89 mg sodium.