PB Granola Bars

I've been looking for a good granola bar recipe, one that holds together well. This one is pretty good. I used flaxseed for the "chaser" and almonds as the "additive." They're pretty sweet... I'll definitely leave out the sugar next time and maybe swap the honey for maple syrup. Toasting the oats and almonds added a nice flavor.

Update: Don't swap honey for maple syrup. Tried it today, did not work. (Sad face).

Latest Sewing

A couple bib and burp sets for a little friend who arrived last month.





Catching Clark contemplating the snow in our yard. Every time he looks outside, he freaks out that his basketball net is covered with snow and we have to remind him every time that he will be able to play again when the snow melts.



Him catching me catching him.

Baking Monday - Chocolate Cupcakes with PB Frosting

On the agenda today: Hershey's Perfect Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting. I'd never made this cake recipe before and was a bit nervous that the batter was really runny. I dumped it into my giant measuring cup, which made filling the cups very easy.



Ready to go! Wait, something's missing ...



Ahhh. Much better.

Recipe: Makes 30 cupcakes

Me: Bah! Those measurements don't apply to me and my two cupcake pans. I shall make 24 cupcakes instead!



Whoops. So, my dreams of perfectly shaped cupcakes went out the window but lesson learned: follow the recipe!





Verdict: Mmmmm. I'm not a big cake eater, but these cupcakes are very good. The frosting however ... well, I could sit on the couch and eat it by the spoonful. But I would never, never, do that, especially not on a night after the kids have gone to bed and Jeff is at pool. Never.

New Work on Etsy!

I took the day off yesterday (with the help of tv and dad) and updated my Etsy shop. I've had a new stash of fabric ready to go since November and was happy to add some new items. More to come next week!

As If I Weren't Excited Enough Already ...

... about the next Baking Monday, look what I found at Wegmans yesterday:



SO PRETTY! And look at the magic word on the label - PARTY. Guaranteed. Use these wrappers and you will have a party. I cannot wait.

Baking Monday - Peppermint Patties

Which did not actually involve any baking!



Homemade Peppermint Patties.



Kneading the centers.



Little circles, ready to go.



The recipe came from here. I used plain dark chocolate melting wafers, but will try with a better quality chocolate next time. I have two grandparents and many relatives who are expert chocolate dippers, but I did not inherit that skill. I'm pretty sloppy, good thing it still tastes good.



Verdict: Um ... yum. Yeah, I'll be making these again. Not only were they super easy, they were fun to make, too.

Blog Love

Sherri over at Families are Fun! has nominated me for a Beautiful Blog Award. While I don't feel that I've logged enough time in the blogosphere to pass it along, I thought I'd take this opportunity to share a little blog love and a shout out to some inspiring women. These are my daily reads:

Dooce - the queen! She consistently cracks me up.

Finslippy - Alice won my heart the day she blogged about her son's picky eating habits and I've been reading ever since.

Suburban Bliss - I started reading Melissa's site during the cocktail playdate controversy. I love her mix of crafts, cooking and family life and how bravely and honestly she shares her joys and frustrations. And I will be forever grateful for sharing that chicken taco recipe!

Amalah - Brilliant, funny. Check out Advice Smackdown, too.

Kirsten Can - Perfect mix of kids and crafts.

Forty Two Roads - Anna is a sewing genius and the queen of repurposing. Exhibit A.

Notes from the Trenches - Hysterical.

How About Orange - Daily craft / design inspriration.

Just Something I Made - Cathe is an amazing craftswoman.