Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

1 (18-ounce) jar creamy peanut butter
3 cups granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 pounds milk chocolate confectionery coating*

1. Place peanut butter in a large greased heatproof bowl and set aside.
2. In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup and water. Cook and stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved; bring to a full rolling boil. Boil, stirring constantly, until a candy thermometer reads 290*F (145*C), soft-crack stage. Pour hot syrup over peanut butter; stir quickly until blended. Pour onto a buttered baking sheet; cover with a piece of buttered waxed paper and roll mixture into a 14 x 12-inch rectangle. While warm, cut into 1 1/2 x 1-inch bars using a buttered pizza cutter or knife. Cool completely.
3. Melt confectionery coating; dip bars and place on foil or waxed paper to harden.

Makes 6 dozen candy bars.