Deluxe Chocolate Marshmallow Bars

3/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons baking cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts, optional
4 cups miniature marshmallows

Topping
1 1/3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup peanut butter
3 tablespoons butter
2 cups rice cereal

In a small bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla.

Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in nuts if desired. Spread in a greased 15-by-10-by-1-inch baking pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes.

Sprinkle with marshmallows; bake 2-3 minutes longer. Remove to a wire rack. Using a knife dipped in water, spread the melted marshmallows evenly over top. Cool.

For topping, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter in a small saucepan. Cook and stir over low heat until blended. Remove from the heat; stir in cereal. Spread over bars immediately. Chill.

Yield: about 3 dozen