In the interest of keeping everyone happy, another non-healthy recipe for you tonight. These Caramel Pecan Bars are in a Taste of Home Brownies magazine that is currently on newsstands; I was looking for something quick and simple that would cut neatly and this certainly filled the bill. The pecan flavor really comes through, for sure, but these remind me a bit of Blondies, which I’m not as big a fan of. The recipe notes “that the bars really capture the flavor of pecan pie,” and there is a definite hint of that, without the gooeyness of it. If you’re looking for something new to get out of a chocolate rut, this might be just the thing, but with its two sticks of butter, two plus cups of sugar and two cups of pecans, a massive work-out will be needed right after to absolve you of any guilt you may have. Aside from one tiny nibble to determine edibleness, the work-out I just came back from is still firmly intact.
A little photo catch-up from the past week, and then I’m off to find my remote and a pillow because the two and a half hours of sleep I got last night just aren’t cutting it anymore. Today is only Tuesday and this week has seriously kicked my hide. I came back completely replenished after a few days away , only to be depleted very soon after. Another friend, who is having an equally challenging week, texted me that God only gives us as much as we can handle. While I definitely believe that, I just wish he didn’t think I can handle quite as much as he gives me. At some point, it has to be someone else’s turn, because I need a break. Insert big deep sigh here.
Project 365
April 4, 2011, Photo #93
Whenever I feel an inkling of any sick or sniffle or ache coming on, I go get this Ten Ingredient Soup from a local restaurant. I don’t exactly know what all the ten ingredients are, and I’m pretty sure that it’s better that way, but it never fails to work a little magic for me.
Project 365
April 5, 2011, Photo #94
Beth and I got the new shellac manicures last Saturday. This is what it looked like on Day 4, completely chip-free. The manicure is a few bucks more but is advertised to last up to 14 days.
Project 365
April 6, 2011, Photo #95 (and a bonus)
Last week, we took two of the kids’ friends to Zumba class. Since they’re both joining us again tomorrow (with a third for good measure), I think it’s safe to say they were hooked.
Project 365
April 7, 2011, Photo #96
I can’t remember what this sandwich is called, but it’s from Panera. I want to say it was called a Power Sandwich, but don’t hold me to it. Whole grain bread, egg whites, ham, Cheddar, amazingly good.
Project 365
April 8, 2011, Photo #97 and a bonus
Breakfast on Friday. Guilt-free and delish.
Project 365
April 9, 2011, Photo #98
So excuse the fact that I’m headless, go get yourself this shirt. Victoria’s Secret, of course, but the softest and most comfortable thing ever.
Project 365
April 10, 2011, Photo #99
Sunrise. Gorge.
Project 365
April 11, 2011, Photo #100 (yay!)
Inside Out Onion Roll Sandwich. Recipe coming to a computer screen near you.
Project 365
April 12, 2011, Photo #101 (caught up!!)
This book is one of our new favorites. Seems a little strange to think of Weird Al Yankovic as a children’s book author, but it’s a great book. Lots of big words and thoughts to stimulate Nick’s mind, and fabulous illustrations for Madeline (who, surprisingly, totally got the concept of the book; doesn’t hurt that they’re studying professions in school this week, so that worked out to my advantage). The rhyming, although the sentence structure is a bit longer, reminded us a bit of Dr. Seuss, whom we love dearly, so if you have littles that you read to at night, grab this one. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. If you happen to buy it (or anything else at Amazon for that matter) through this link, this single mom gets a teensy percentage of your purchase and is very much appreciative (and any other time you happen to be going shopping at Amazon, if you click on the (rotating) cookbook picture/ad in my sidebar to the right, the O’Malley clan gets a little commission, and we thank you. Public service announcement over).
Caramel Pecan Bars
Recipe courtesy of Taste of Home magazine
1 cup butter, cubed
2-1/4 cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 cups chopped pecans
confectioners’ sugar, optional
In a large saucepan, heat butter and brown sugar over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. In a small bow, beat the eggs, vanilla and butter mixture. Combine the flour and baking powder; gradually add to the butter mixture and mix well. Stir in the pecans.
Spread into a greased 13×9 baking pan. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs and the edges are crisp. Cool on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired. Cut into bars. Yield: 4 dozen
If you’re ever out in Brooklyn for whatever reason, there’s a sandwich at a place called Pies ‘n Thighs that I think you’d *love*. Egg, avocado, cheddar, tomato, and sprouts on anadama bread– called a hippie banjo.
Made this recipe before (or one very similar to it) and it si so good!
Oh, those bars look delish. Can’t wait to see the sandwich recipe too … and another quote to throw at you: “This too shall pass.” That is all.
As always, beautiful photos!
Love a good sandwich. Really, it’s my favorite meal ever.
Nails are fabulous.
Fantastic photos and I recipe I will be making very soon!
Those caramel pecan bars are tantalizing to someone like me who ADORES anything blondie or bar cookie-related!
I really have to stop reading your blog before breakfast with all the yummy food photos – today I woke up hungry and it totally didn’t help. lol!
Katie smiled when she saw your zumba photos. She’s ready for another class.
You totally look so tiny in that tshirt! Go girl go!
And in the words of Lisa Douglas “how’s the electrisical?”
All the food looks good.
Cute picture of them doing Zumba.