1 pkg. (18.5 oz.) yellow cake mix
1 c. crunchy peanut butter
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1/3 c. water
1/4 c. shortening
1 pkg. (12 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips (peanut butter chips can be substituted)
2/3 c. chopped nuts

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour jelly roll pan (15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1 inch). Blend cake mix (dry), peanut butter and brown sugar in large mixer bowl on low speed until crumbly. Reserve 2/3 cup of the crumb mixture.

Blend remaining crumb mixture, eggs, water and shortening on low speed until moistened, scraping bowl constantly. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Stir in chocolate chips (or peanut butter chips). Spread batter in pan.

Stir nuts into reserved crumb mixture; sprinkle over batter. Bake until set, about 25 minutes. Cool until firm. Cut into 3 x 1 1/2 inch bars. Makes approximately 30 bars.