A realistic snack

I know every mother has grandiose plans for her life and children. Kids perfectly cleaned and groomed, no holes in jeans, skipping home on the way home from school, freshly baked cookies waiting in the oven with milk. But let's face it, in real life this is not the case.

Since the start of school I feel as though I have less time. We go through jeans like they are disposable and I can't see to find the bottom of my laundry pile. I really thought I'd honestly have more time now that Camden has started school, that she'd come home to all the housework down and some fresh snack waiting. In all honesty, most days I find myself reaching for fruit snacks, crackers, or carrot sticks. Any thing in my pantry ready and willing to help me out.

Like I have said previously, once a week I try to bake something. Not only for my babies, but to share with teachers, Jason's co-workers, and so forth. This week we made Magic Cookie Bars(you know from the back of the Carnation can) - which I hardly consider baking. They were satisfying and Camden had a blast making them. However, they were never photographed so you'll have to take my word for it.

Above is a snack that hardly qualifies as baking, cooking, or anything domestic. However, what kid would not flip for something sweet bathed in sprinkles? Camden will enjoy these when she gets home today and I hope to see her eyes light up.

This is barely a recipe, cut bananas in half, skewer(I was out of popsicle sticks, which I have found are way better than bamboo skewers. So you can do better than me.) and freeze. Melt chocolate in double boiler, I opted to add some peanut butter - for protein, you know. Roll in choice of toppings; I opted for toffee bits and sprinkles today. Place back in freezer until hardened.

Menu Planning Monday

I know I am late in posting this; but do you ever have days when you just don't want to do anything? I fell like I was in that rut most of the weekend. Camden ended up getting the stomach flu and I just did not have motivation to cook, much less plan for a week of cooking. I kind of felt like laying down and whining myself - but don't tell my kids. Because, of course, Mom's never throw tantrums. I diverted from last week some because of an unplanned invite from our friends and Camden being sick.

Anyway, on to the meal planning; which I just finished an hour ago, sadly. I hope to do my shopping later this week.

Yesterday I made a simple Chicken Alfredo - nothing says lovin' like cream, pasta and cheese. Thankfully, Camden's appetite had returned.
Tuesday: Tuna Casserole from Rachael Ray's talk show
Wednesday: Bake Chicken and Acorn Squash, Rice Pilaf
Thursday: Bel Aria Chicken and Pasta, Bread
Friday: Pizza Night, of course.
Saturday: Mozzarella Eggplant Bake, Fettucine, Green Salad
Sunday: Tyler's Smothered Pork Chops, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Corn

Head on over to Menu Planning Monday for more menu planning inspiration, which I probably should have done earlier as well.

And now for a little torture...

These bars are a fairly good reason not to get behind on blogging. I made these late summer when blueberries were just at the end of their season and still reasonably priced. The recipe caught my eye when I had some blueberries on the verge of mush. I had planned a park outing for the kids and a few other mothers and figured these would be perfect to tote along. They were just perfect. Not too messy, sweet, but a little tart from the lemon and creamy. My mouth is watering just thinking about them again. I am sorry to be posting these so late, but take my word when I say you NEED to make these next summer.

I love Fine Cooking magazine, which is where this recipe came from. Sadly, this is one of the few I have not subscribed to, but I plan to one day. $30 for a magazine subscription is hard to justify these days. For now, I have a wonderful Hub who surprises me with these when I'm having a bad day(He knows me well!).



In the meantime, I may experiment to see how they are with frozen berries later this winter when I am craving a little brightness. If I do; I promise to let you know before summertime.

Recipe may be found here.

Chocolate-Glazed Pumpkin Cookies

This October marks our first "Fall" in four years as well as our year anniversary in North Dakota. I do not count last year since we arrived at what seemed the brink of Winter. I forgot how beautiful Fall is with the leaves turning and the cool air. However, this morning brought in a chilling 34 degrees; so, I think Fall only lasts a few weeks here.

I find myself now craving soups, apples, pumpkin and anything along those lines. It is a nice familiar feeling I missed while living in Guam. However, I am not completely sold. I believe this year will be better and worse for a number of reasons and only time will tell.



I found myself baking less this past year since I had no one to share them with. I used to send them to Jason's work in Guam, but the clinic here is not an ideal place for food. Now that Camden is in school, I try to bake a snack for her weekly and send some to her teacher. It is nice to be able to share again!

These cookies just scream Fall to me and they are quite delicious. I discovered and made them for the first time last year after we were finally settled in. They have definitely become a seasonal fixture in this household. I love how simple and satisfying they are. They are almost more cake-like than cookie and not too sweet. Perfect for welcoming Fall! Try them, I hope you love them as much as we do.

Recipe may be found here.

Foolish me!

It's funny that I thought AFTER Camden started school I would have more time. Obviously, you can tell it's her first school year. In some ways I felt as though my days are cut in half. We have a lot of changes on the horizon here in the Four Foodies household, so please bear with me as I think my blogging will continue to be sporadic. We will get into the swing of things somehow.

I still continue to meal plan - which is my saving grace; especially now that food prices are going so sky high. I find myself going to more and more old trusty recipes and experimenting less. Am I the only one? We are not hurting as much as some thankfully; so for the most part I am not complaining. Anyway, this is not meant to be a downer post.

I figured the best way to ease back into blogging would be to participate in Meal Plan Monday. I don't know why I have never done this before since I have been meal planning for six years and don't think I'd be able to set foot into a grocery store without a plan. I suppose it's the control freak in me. Either way, on to the week...

Monday: Massamam Curry, Jasmine Rice, and sliced mangoes[if we have people over I may make a second green or red curry]
Tuesday: Dinner at Church
Wednesday: Ravioli Soup, Bread
Thursday: Cheese Steak Subs, tater tots, fruit
Friday: Pizza Night
Saturday: Enchiladas, Spanish rice, refried beans, Flan