Snacky Snacks

I was browsing through Rachel Ray's magazine and came across a recipe for the most delicious Chex Mix. My husband is always scrounging for a crunchy snack, especially on the weekends, and loves anything spicy. I like the spicy/sweet combo, and I love that this can be done quickly and easily in the microwave. This is some serious addictive stuff. It's like crack (not that I would know). Enjoy!

Katie Lee's Spiced Nuts 'n Chex Mix

1/4 cup sugar
1 T chili powder
1/4 tsp cayenne powder
1/4 cup butter or margarine
2 cups Corn Chex cereal
2 cups Rice Chex cereal
2 cups Wheat Chex cereal
1 can (11.5 oz) mixed nuts

1. In small bowl, mix sugar, chili powder, and cayenne; set aside.
2. In large microwavable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on high about 40 seconds or until melted. Stir in cereal and nuts until evenly coated. Stir in sugar mixture until evenly coated.
3. Microwave uncovered on high 5 to 6 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes, until mixture just begins to turn brown. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container.

Please Don't Hate Me For This.

Behold. The pinnacle of yumminess. Bask in its splendor. This, my friends, is a Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie and it will be your undoing. It isn't just good. It possesses the power to incite a grown man to try and take a cookie from his own baby (N.). Observe.


I know you are waiting with bated breath to find out just how to make this cookie for yourself. I will keep you in suspense no longer. This recipe was submitted by Susan to the Best Bites in Paradise cookbook put together by Dr. Jesse Ehrlich of Venice, Florida. I love you Susan.

18 oz. chunky peanut butter
1 stick butter
1-1/2 c. sugar
1-1/2 c. brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
4 eggs
6 c. oats
2-1/2 tsp baking soda
6 oz. chocolate chips (I use 12 oz.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together peanut butter and softened butter. Add sugars, vanilla, and eggs. Stir in oats, baking soda, and chocolate chips. Drop by heaping tablespoon onto ungreased cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Bake 9 to 10 minutes.

This recipe will provide you with a copious cache of cookies. I imagine the dough would freeze well if you don't have an hour or six to bake cookies.

All that's left to do now is bite....


chew...


repeat.

Cuteness? You Can't Handle The Cuteness!

My darling little A. has lost her two front teeth. Her two front teeth. Yes, her two front teeth. We have been entertaining ourselves by having her say things like "Sister Suzy sitting on a thistle." I'm trying to get her to do it right now, as she is reading this as I type, but no luck...so far. I knew I had to include photographic evidence or no one would believe just how cute she is. Brace yourselves, people.

MOSI Day

We had a chance to go to MOSI last month. It's no Indianapolis Children's Museum, but it was still a lot of fun.



The kids really liked the Kids In Charge section. Not Mommy's favorite, though. I almost had a germaphobic-induced mental collapse. We hit the hand sanitizer pretty hard after this venture. Here are some pics.




Another part we all enjoyed was the weather area. The hurricane tunnel was hilarious. It is quite an experience.



They also enjoyed news station. Here are my anchor girls, A & N.


Stay classy, Tampa Bay!

Birthdays!

August is birthday time for all 3 girls. At this point we are opting to do one party for everyone, which is certainly convenient since their birthdays are only 10 days apart.

This year I made this cake and made a 7-minute frosting, which I dyed pink with Wilton icing die. I used the ingredients from this recipe and the technique from this one. I also sprinkled it with edible glitter, although it doesn't really show in the pictures.


Please pardon the sweaty heads. You see, our air conditioner picked this particular weekend to stop working. If you are not from Florida, you may not appreciate the full impact of that statement. Florida + August = 7th circle of hell. Which is to say, it's hot. Lake of Fire hot. Blessed be the family and friends who showed up anyway. We heart you, kisses. The girls had a wonderful time! I just can't believe they are already 6 and 7!

Manatees!

Here a few pictures we took of the manatees. They are A.'s favorite.



I thought this was cute also. The diver was cleaning the sea turtle habitat.

A Day at the Park, Part I

Over Christmas break we spent a lovely day at the park. Because of the number of photos, I have split this posting into two parts. E. is wearing red, N. is wearing turquoise, and A. is wearing pink.







And one of my favorites......