this makes me extremely happy

plague

This plague at my house is slowly coming to an end. Thank God!
I've had strep throat and Monkeyface has bronchitis so there's been a lot of sleeping on my part and very little sleeping on his. Last night was a dream b/c we both simultaneously slept through the night together.
My dad has been keeping him at home since Tuesday. I'm so thankful that he is retired b/c I have certainly needed him this week. He's happy too though with good food in his belly.

I have a whole chicken in the crock pot today stuffed full of garlic, onions, and a random orange covered with herbs de provence and the juice of one lemon. I've been reading cookbooks lately and really wanted some rosemary lemon chicken but that's nearly impossible without rosemary. Luckily I'm good at improvisation.

I don't post here nearly as often as I would like but I've been without a computer at home for about 2 weeks now. Hubby took care of that last night & with the help of one SuperAsian I am now back in business. Granted...I am posting this from work :)

I have a new nephew that I will hopefully be meeting soon. I get to hold baby fingers and toes again. I miss that. Not that 2.5 isn't wonderful in it's own right but boy oh boy do I miss rocking and cuddling for hours on end. I don't even complain about getting up with Monkeyface when he needs me b/c it means that I get to hang out and rock in the glider with him. I'm such a sap.

I've been thinking of making a new mixed CD. I haven't made one in over a year now and do believe that it is time. However, all I've been listening to is what I call porch music. Low key, soft spoken, background to my thoughts kind of music. I need a front porch. I really do.

Thou shalt not

Dear Monkeyface,

There are some things in this world that you are not allowed to do. This is the first one.

Food Friday: Pumpkin Cheesecake Streusel Bars

This was one of the easiest desserts I've ever made and with all the coupons out lately for the cookie mix, it cost me about $5 for the entire dessert. I took this from the Betty Crocker website.

Pumpkin Streusel Cheesecake Bars

Cookie Base
1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® oatmeal cookie mix
1/2 cup crushed gingersnap cookies
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
1/2 cup cold butter or margarine

Filling
2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened **
1 cup sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
2 tablespoons whipping cream
2 eggs

Toppings
1/3 cup chocolate topping
1/3 cup caramel topping

1. Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, stir together cookie mix, crushed cookies and pecans. Cut in butter, using pastry blender or fork, until mixture is crumbly. (I used a food processor) Reserve 1 cup mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture in bottom of ungreased 13x9-inch pan. Bake 10 minutes. Cool 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. (I used my kitchen aid stand mixer) Add remaining filling ingredients; beat until well blended. Pour over warm cookie base. Sprinkle with reserved topping.
3. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until center is set. Cool 30 minutes. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until chilled.
4. Before serving, drizzle with chocolate and caramel toppings. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.

**I prefer to use Neufatchel cheese. It is just as good as regular cream cheese with the same texture and 1/3 of the fat.

For more recipes, check out Gayle's website.