Sweet Treats

So after showing you our Ironman in the last post, it's only fitting that I show you one of the benefits of burning so many calories... you have to replace them!! While I don't always replace them in such ways as these, it's nice to indulge every once in a while.

My great aunt introduced us to this recipe at a family reunion a couple of years ago and we've been making them ever since. When a recipe has a name as southern as "Iva Mae" on it, you downright know it's going to be good!

Aunt Iva Mae's Chewy Peanut Bars   (Yields: 3 dozen)

1 roll Pillbury Peanut Butter Cookie Dough

3 cups miniature marshmallows

1 (10 oz) package of peanut butter morsels or chocolate chips if you'd like

2/3 cup light corn syrup

1/4 cup butter

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups Rice Crispies

2 cups salted roasted peanuts

Spread cookie dough in a 13x9 baking dish and bake at 350 until brown.

Sprinkle with marshmallows and bake 1-2 more minutes until marshmallows begin to puff. Let pan cool while you mix up the topping.

Combine peanut butter morsels (or chocolate or a mix of both) and next three ingredients in a large saucepan and cook over low heat until smooth, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and stir in cereal and peanuts.

Spread cereal mixture over marshmallows. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.

And if you prefer chocolate, just replace the peanut butter morsels with chocolate chips.

Cut into bars and have you one! If you're one of those many peanut butter lovers out there, you will love these.

On my little plate of sweet treats, you might notice the lemon bars in the background. If your sweet tooth prefers more fruity, tart variations - as does mine- these lemon bars are sure to please. My mother makes these for tailgates, parties, and just because... and they are always a hit!

Mom's Lemon Bars (Yield: 3 dozen)

Crust:

2 sticks soft margarine

1/2 cup powdered sugar

2 cups flour

Dash of salt

For crust: 

Combine margarine, powdered sugar, flour and salt. Mix well. Press into a 13x9 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

Filling:

4 eggs, beaten

2 cups sugar

1/4 cup flour

6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

For filling:

Combine flour and sugar. Mix in beaten eggs and lemon juice. Pour into slightly cooled crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until done.

Frosting:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons margarine

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

For frosting:

Combine powdered sugar, margarine, and lemon juice. Mix well until spooth and spread over partially cooled lemon bars. Cut into bars.

As for me, I've been down for the count these past few days with a miserable cold. Rocky claims he's down for the count as well... he's been my little snuggler since my man has been bow hunting the plains of Nebraska all week. Only this time, he's with my father and friends. Remember last year, when he ventured there alone? He's hardcore.

As for me and Rocky, we're layin' low. Hope your week is going better than mine!