But first let me say, as much as I hate (and by hate I mean abhor) to dust, I hate even more to notice dust in places that are typically used frequently enough that they should not collect it. The TV for instance. We watch enough TV that we notice when it accumulates just a little bit, and it is removed. The computer is another example. Same reason. The toaster, the table, the washer and dryer....
My stove, ladies and gentleman, should not be an example.
When I was in the kitchen last night and turned on the overhead stove light to start a little baking, I think I went into shock for just a second.
No. It wasn't possible. How did this happen??
It wasn't piled up or layered on or anything, but there was unmistakably a few too many dust particles on my stove top. This can only mean one thing.
My stove has gone unused.
This is not acceptable.
Yes, I had noticed that we had been rather busy and eaten out a few times. Yes, I had noticed that I have been eating one too many M&M Twisted Frosties. But had I really not cooked in that long? I stared for a second, then broke out the Clorox Green-wise.
So in my typical anal tendency-ness, I had to disinfect and wipe down everything in the kitchen, and then I began my baking.
Ahhhhhhhhhh, bliss. This is better than a bubble bath for me. It is that soothing, that relaxing. Yes, it had been a while.
I made some 7-layer cookie bars, and all was right with the world. (Recipe to follow). This was one of the first desserts I remember learning how to make, I know it by heart, and will probably be one of the first I teach my children. Its easy, its delicious, its variable, and its basically foolproof. Thanks, Ma :)
We enjoyed the peanut butter and chocolates of my labor while we watched Jim play an excrucuating round of golf and Pam drag herself through a painfully funny job fair on The Office.
About Top Chef. If you watch, you probably know what's coming.
I have been very upset. Very disappointed. Almost quit watching except for the fact that I can't wait to see what Richard is going to wow us with next (banana scallops and guacamole with chocolate icecream, anyone?). This problem has even been one of the morning news shows' gossip topics.
These people are adults. They are professionals. Yes, I believe in personal expression, but they are abusing that privilege just a little, don't cha think?? When I feel like I want to reach through the TV screen and shove soap in their mouth at least 25 times during a 1 hour show, I get very annoyed. For the love of word usage, use something to express your feelings or finish a sentence that does not make my grandmother's eyes bug out and cover her mouth with her hand!
Speaking of soap, I'll get off my box.
But the last two shows have revamped my interest, so all is well. The language was still not PG-rated, but when they were cooking with the kids, and then when Richard and Stephanie (two top chefs in my book) were gracious enough to split the $2,000 Crate & Barrell prize and give each other credit, my faith was restored for the show.
So we'll see how the rest of the season pans out. I would like to say I want to see a female win for the first time, but I really don't think anyone stands a chance against Richard. Plus I like his hair.
Here's the recipe- now go dust off that oven!
7-Layer Cookie Bars
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, melted
1 (14-ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
1 cup (6 ounces) butterscotch-flavored, peanut butter-flavored, or white chocolate chips
1 cup (6 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (325°F for glass baking pan). In small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and butter; mix well. Press crumb mixture firmly on bottom of 13x9-inch baking pan.
Pour EAGLE BRAND® evenly over crumb mixture. Layer evenly with remaining ingredients; press down firmly with fork.
Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely. Chill if desired. Cut into bars or diamonds. Store leftovers covered at room temperature.
1 comment:
ok, i think i like antonia. And richard? I cant decide about him.
It is a motley crew.....
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