Sharon's peanut butter slice

These are bar cookies, but a bar cookie is called a "slice" in New Zealand from whence this recipe came, so slice it is. This is technically a half batch, which is far more manageable than a full batch because these are pretty rich. For full batch authenticity, just double everything and put it in a 9x13" pan.

1/2 c peanut butter
1/2 c brown sugar
1/3 c corn syrup (Karo)
1/2 stick butter, softened
1 egg
1/2 t vanilla
1 c flour (can be half whole wheat) (can also add an extra 1/2 c oats)
3/4 t baking powder
1/4 t salt
1 c chocolate chips (optional: reserve 1/4 c)

Preheat oven to 350F. Make like cookies: cream together wet ingredients (everything up to vanilla), stir in dry ingredients until just combined, stir in chocolate chips. Spread batter in an ungreased 8x8" square pan and bake for 20-25 min until golden. Optional: only add 3/4 of the chocolate chips to the batter, and melt the rest to drizzle on top of baked slice. Cut into little squares and give to a very happy Pat.