Make it Monday

CHOCOLATE CRUMB BARS

For "Make it Monday" I made Chocolate crumb bars. However, I actually made them yesterday because we went to my brother's home for dinner. So, Adrian told me that I HAVE TO make something else today. So I decided to do walnut cookies again since he really likes them. Now, I just have to go to the store for some butter. At least I'm running other errands today... So, here is the recipe for the crumb bars. They sure were a hit last night...

1 cup butter

1 3/4 cup flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 tsp salt

2 cups Nestle Toll House semi-sweet chocolate morsels, divided

1 can (14 oz) Nestle carnation sweetened condensed milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 13x9 inch baking pan.

Beat butter in large mixing bowl until creamy. Beat in flour, sugar and salt until crumbly. With floured fingers, press 2 cups crumb mixture onto bottom of prepared baking pan; reserve remaining mixture. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown.

Combine 1 cup morsels and sweetened condensed milk in small, heavy-duty saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract. Spread over hot crust.

Stir nuts and remaining morsels into reserved crumb mixture; sprinkle over chocolate filling. Bake 25-30 minutes or until center is set. Cool in pan on wire rack.

Makes 2 1/2 dozen bars

Workout Wednesday

This morning I worked out to Denise Austin's body makeover mix. So, there are 3 boxy-toning workouts-firm upper body, lean lower body and tight abs. Each workout is 15 minutes. I can definitely feel it as I'm sitting here. So, if you want to slim and sculpt your way to a better body, try this DVD. It is fun and exciting. Also, it has a few ballet moves so it was interesting to see what my body CAN'T do. Oh well, at least I'm working out once a week. It was more than I did before. Oh wait, I used to run and I ran a 1/2 marathon. I guess I 'm a little lazy. Good luck. Till next time...

Oh, how I love getting the mail (but not the bills)

Guess what came in the mail yesterday? I new tie for Elijah. Of course I did win it from The little Gentleman's closet so go check it out. It is awesome. I decided to give the tie to Eli on Easter. I can't wait till he wears it.

  

 Look what else I got in the mail. This came from Target. Lots of free samples and more coupons. Yippee!

Don't you just love getting the mail? It is the highlight of my day (besides seeing my cute little guy). But seriously, it makes me happy when I know there are sweet treats in the mail. I love getting boxes, cards or whatever in the mail (except bills). I love the unknown,the excitement and anticipation. I love it all! I'm waiting for some kitchen labels I won to arrive in my mailbox. Oh how I love my mailbox and my mailman who sweetly delivers those surprises. I guess I'll wait till 4 till the mailman comes...

Easter decor

Oh how I love to decorate for the different holidays. I'm not sure Adrian likes my new subway art. Too bad! Oh and I made the carrots out of yarn, cardstock and glue. Wahoo!

9 month old

Elijah is now nine months old. Can you believe it? I'm sure I say that each month but I can't help it. My little guy is growing up and definitely needs a haircut. I'm too nervous to do it and I don't want to spend the money to do it so right now it looks funny. I'm not spiking his hair either. My dad made fun of it. At least he has those adorable two front teeth. What can Elijah do now that he is 9 months old???

-Can eat one of those yummy banana stars by himself. It is the cutest thing ever!

-Rolls over and over and over (not even close to crawling)

-NEEDS his mommy all the time

-He got sick for the first time (It was so sad too but he is better now)

So, what can your child/children do? I keep hearing that Tayvlee can stand up. Well, Elijah can speak four different languages so there you go.

Giveaway #6

By the way...I'm doing a sweet Giveaway on my other blog...http://emileeschristmasjoy.blogspot.com/ so be sure to enter and become my follower. Thanks and good luck to you all!

Make it Monday

COCONUT OATMEAL COOKIES

Today I am making coconut oatmeal cookies. I choose a recipe with ingredients that I already have. It works out great! Here is the recipe:

2 cups quick-cooking oats

1 cup shredded coconut

1 cup butter at room temp

1/2 granulated sugar

1/4 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed

2 eggs

4 TBS milk

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1-Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease 2 cookie sheets (which I now own...finally).

2-Spread the oats and coconut on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Note: I did 8 minutes and it was burnt so I had to redo it. Luckily I had enough oats and coconut to try it again. I suggest 5-6 minutes.

3-With an electric mixer, cream the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, 1 at a time, then the milk and vanilla. Sift over the dry ingredients and fold in. Stir in the oats and coconut.

4-Drop spoonfuls of the dough 1-2 inches apart on the prepared sheets and flatten with the bottom of a greased glass dipped in sugar. Bake until golden, 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool.

Well, I fogot to do the "flatten with the bottom of a greased glass dipped in sugar." Woops! I guess I'm not perfect. Also, my dough was a little runny. The cookies were okay. I wish I were a perfectionist but I'm not so the best I can do is the best I can do. Good luck!

Next week...I'll need to use my new rolling pin. I finally have one. Yippee. Hope you enjoy!