Thursday, July 31, 2008

chocolate no bake cookies (sugar free)

These aren't the most healthy, but they are pretty close while still being a treat. I have been "eating right for my blood type" and this recipe is the result of a craving for some oats and PB.
in a large saucepan, over medium heat combine:
1/3 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup raw honey
1/2 cup butter (walnut oil may work as sub.)
1/2 cup soy milk
3 tablespoons cocoa powder

stir until a full boil, then stop stirring and let it boil for 1.5 minutes.remove from heat and stir in 3 cups oats and 2 teaspoons of vanilla. drop by teaspoons on wax paper and chill. Enjoy!

Friday, July 25, 2008

It's been a while.

With nice summer weather comes family outings and gatherings. I have neglected to update for a while, and in fact started spending more at the grocery store as we got busier. My home was full of family, and we had a lot of fun. We go like this and jump back in where we left off.
I have officially become the neighborhood crazy lady. With family around to watch the boys I've been walking an empty stroller to the grocery store to use it as my cart. To save appearances I've been placing a blanket in the seat "just so" so it looks like there could be a little baby in it :) I figure it's less obvious that way. In any case, I have the fanciest cart in the store and I can turn on a dime with my Mountain Buggy Urban single. I figure, it's paid for and can hold 77 lbs in the seat, plus bread etc. in the basket. With the seat reclined I can carry a lot of heavy produce and milk. And, it has nice cupholders so why not use it and save gas?
Today I bought a few things:
Big box of rice crispies 6.47
1 mango .58
2 boxes of nut snack bars 1.95 each
bag of sugar 3.49
garbage bags 1.27
1/2P blackberries .98
2 lb strawberries 3.00
1 doz eggs 1.86

total $26.00

I bought a lot of bread to freeze before my guests came and we still have it all. I've also got a really well stocked pantry so we should be in good shape until payday next week. We kept within our budget even with a week at the beach and their lovely yet $$$ bakery.
Any thoughts on going TV free or mostly? I've not watched any personal shows in weeks, only a couple movies and one at the theatre last night. The kids have been gone at the cottage overnight and all day yesterday and I've only gone downstairs to do laundry. I have big brother on the PVR but no desire to watch it. I've been enjoying my toy free, tv free living room. It feels quite civilized. :)