Most families have at least one favorite recipe that they use for special occasions and family get-togethers. It’s usually an old 3×5 card, stained by sticky fingers, rubbed off in some parts, with comments scribbled in the margins. These recipes are tried and true, the backbone of good American cooking, and I want to share one of those from my friends Gail and Scott Brown. They make these peanut butter finger bars for birthday parties and summer barbecues on the beach at their home in Rye, New Hampshire. It’s an easy treat to put together and the kind of uncomplicated baking that invites participation from little helpers.

We first met Scott when he was a young Republican State Senator who startled the political world by winning Ted Kennedy’s former senate seat in overwhelmingly Democratic Massachusetts. If you know Scott, you wouldn’t be surprised. He is genuine and open, a hard worker who does not come from a privileged background, and a man who honestly likes people. Gail is a former news anchor, warm and funny, without a self-important bone in her body. They are regular folks, full of enthusiasm for life, and easy to like. In 2012 Scott lost the election and has returned to his roots as a ninth-generation New Hampshireman to run for the Senate from his home in Rye.

There are lots of things I know nothing about (it’s actually quite a long list), but after 36 years around Washington politics, I feel confident in my ability to know the difference between an opportunistic politician and the Real Deal – the ones who really care about their country, and are committed to working with their opponents to make our communities and our country better. Scott is the Real Deal, and btw, they’re easy to spot because they’re so rare.

These bars are incredibly addictive. I ate four on the first day I made them, and had to immediately give the rest away

Peanut Butter Finger Bars