Did you gain the freshman 15 in college? No worries if you didn’t - I gained it for all of us. At least three of us. Maybe four. I really loved everything I found in college and these study treats were a clear reason I gained more weight my freshman year than I even gained pregnant. Even making test batches all week have me desperate to find my will power - especially when I landed on THE recipe.

This is it! Were you a Gamma Phi in the late 1990’s in Seattle? Then you remember these bars. We stood out front of the dining room doors waiting for them to open so we could descend on the platter set out for us. I hadn’t thought of them in years except that a girlfriend’s daughter is going through rush this fall and I started dreaming about all of the things I ate in college. These are at the top of the list.

As you might imagine from a dessert bar from institutional cooking, these are crazy simple. The most time you’ll need is to let them cool before cutting. Most of the process happens on the stove, and then the bits are pushed into a brownie pan. Don’t be shy when you push. These bars sticking together is critical.

I did try to upgrade ingredients. I attempted to replace corn syrup with honey. Nope. I attempted a high quality peanut butter. Also, nope. The key here is inexpensive peanut butter, the creamiest one you can find, and regular old corn syrup.

Study Treats

(a.k.a. No Bake Peanut Butter Bars)

makes 16 squares

1/2 cup corn syrup

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 cup smooth peanut butter

1 cup corn flakes

2 cups Rice Krispies

1 cup milk chocolate chips

2 tablespoons shortening

STEP 1

Line an 8x8 pan with foil and spray with oil. Set aside.

STEP 2

In a saucepan, melt together corn syrup, brown sugar and peanut butter until smooth. Stir regularly and remove from heat as soon as it’s smooth.

STEP 3

Stir in both cereals until completely coated. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan and push down well.

STEP 4

In a microwave proof bowl, melt together the chocolate and shortening. I put it in the microwave for one minute, then stir completely. Then another 30 seconds to make it totally smooth. Pour immediately on the cereal bars and smooth out over the top.

Chill for at least one hour before cutting.

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Do you know what I have always wanted?  Like for real?  A cooking show.  But I didn't want a dumb show and I didn't want it to have bad sound and be lame.  And I wanted it to have a real producer or at least someone to hold the camera.  

But I've been to NYC and met with people.  It didn't happen.  I networked in Seattle.  It didn't happen.  I paid for my own videos and they are crazy expensive.  So finally, this last month I decided I don't care anymore if it's a little lame.  And I don't care anymore if the sound isn't perfect.  And I'm ok with no producer and no one to hold the camera.  

May I present to you, episode 1.  It's not perfect.  But it's out there.  It's a start.  Maybe I'll figure out the sound for the next one.  Maybe someone will come hold the camera.  Maybe not.  

What ever the case, it's fun.  And I enjoyed it.  And I'll make more so if you hate them, you should probably stop reading this blog.  But if you don't hate it, will you let me know?  Comment below or find me on Instagram and tell me there.

MEATBALLS IN RED SAUCE

serves 4

STEP 1

Cook onion and bell pepper in a large stock pot until softened. 

STEP 2

Mix together beef, pork, panko, tomato paste, seasoning, salt until well combined.  Form into 2 inch balls using your hands or an ice cream scoop. 

STEP 3

Pour tomatoes into the pan and add the spices. Bring to boil.

STEP 4

Drop meatballs into sauce. Cover and cook 15-20 mins.  Serve with a green salad.

1 lb ground beef

1 lb ground pork

1 cup panko

2 tbs tomato paste

2 tbs Italian seasoning

1 tsp salt

48oz Crushed tomatoes

1 onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

2 tbs Italian seasoning

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Hooray!  Hooray!  The kids are going back to school!  I am ready for them to have something to do everyday that doesn't require me entertaining them. I have usually had help so I can do my own work projects while the kids are home.  This summer I figured the kids were old enough, had things going on, and we didn't need help.  

Wrong.

It has been a long summer of entertaining children and not exactly working.  Things really fell off.  I missed this.  I missed you.  I missed working and creating.  I cannot wait for these little people to GO BACK TO SCHOOL already.

To celebrate (it makes them feel special, not just a celebration for me) I created a healthy version of our favorite dinner featuring Portobello Burgers + Dry Zero Sugar Cola.    

All summer we have eaten more burgers than it seemed possible in one summer.  We'd go to someone's house - burgers.  We went to Chelan - burgers.  We couldn't figure out what else to eat - burgers.  No one wanted to cook inside - burgers.  

When we start going back to school, I try to make things a little healthier.  My family isn't a huge 'mushroom family' because Mr. Hedin and I aren't the biggest mushroom eaters.  But I am trying harder to make sure my children have eaten everything.  Portobello mushroom caps are a great start.  They have a meaty flavor and texture that is simple for "newbies" to get into.  I layered mine with guacamole + Swiss cheese which also helps for people who haven't had much exposure to mushrooms.  

Portobello Burger

serves 4

STEP 1

Marinade the mushrooms in white wine, balsamic, oil, and garlic.  Let rest 10-15 minutes.  (15-20 mins)

STEP 2

Grill the mushrooms on either a hot barbecue or a grill pan.  Continue to baste with remaining marinade. Toast the buns while you’re at it.  5-6 mins

STEP 3

Top each mushroom with a piece of cheese and let melt.  

STEP 4

Add tomato slices, guacamole, and lettuce.  Serve hot. 

4 large portobello mushroom caps

½ cup white wine

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, grated

4 leaves iceberg lettuce

4 slices Swiss Cheese

½ cup guacamole

1 beefsteak tomato, sliced

4 brioche buns

Is anything more natural than a burger and a cola? But if you're making changes to your burger - why not make your cola a little healthier too?  DRY - my very favorite soda company in the whole wide world - has come out with new colas!  I paired my burger with the basic DRY Zero Sugar cola and it was perfect.  Not only do the new Dry Zero Sugar Colas not have sugar, but they are organic.  It's also not shabby with a little whiskey...

How are you celebrating the kids going back to school?  A little mothers brunch?  Cocktails at noon?  Let me know! 

Sponsored by DRY Soda

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