2012 is going to be a wonderful year!! To start the year we are going to have a wedding and I am officially going to have the closest thing to a daughter!!! A daughter-in-law, who I will just refer to as my daughter, because she is just what I would expect as one!! I couldn't be much happier for Erik and Laura and can't wait for the shower in February and then the wedding in March.
As I put away the last of the holiday decorations and lights, I reflect on the days I had with my wonderful husband Angelo, and my son Bryan while on winter break from school. It was so great having them both here for company, and on the various trips to the doctor and ER clinic for a crazy injury to my hand. I couldn't have done all the cooking, baking or entertaining without them! They are great dishwashers too! My family knows what kind of mess I can make in a kitchen when I bake or cook!
Let me tell you about having a palm tree needle splinter in your finger, especially in your knuckle. Use precaution and don't use a saw; the sudden quick movement you make when using a saw too close to the needles can drive them deep into your hand or finger. Did you know that even though the needle looks smooth it has microscopic needles that stay in your finger when you pull it out? It also may have bacteria on it that can cause infection or skin reactions. It has been four weeks, four visits to doctors and it is still throbbing. My new advise- take care when doing yard work in unfamiliar territory! I am not a born and raised southerner, my landscape comfort zone is still the midwest.
Now, for some good food talk. I received a gift over the holidays of some King Arthur Gluten Free baking mixes. I love their products and can't wait to make the chocolate cake and brownies. You may know how much of a chocolate fan I am!
Now here is one of families favorite Christmas treats. It is the first time I am giving this recipe to anyone. But, yes, there is one change. I am now using Bob's Red Mill gluten free, all purpose baking flour, so I can eat them too. I haven't had the pleasure of eating these for about 6 years, so when I got a taste of them this year, well......." Umm, umm! Wonderful!!!" is all I could say.
Mom's Date Bars
8-10 oz. chopped dates
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup water
Put in small saucepan, cook on medium until boiling then simmer until it makes a paste.
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups gluten free oatmeal
1 1/2 gluten free flour
Mix in a bowl thoroughly. Divide in half and pack 1/2 in bottom of a 9x12 baking dish. Spread date mixture on top. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture on top and pack firmly. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 35 minutes or until golden brown. Wait until cool before cutting. Enjoy!
