Thursday, December 27, 2012

Sweets With A Side Dish Of Humor

     If you've been reading my blog for any length of time now, you already know about my love affair with anything sweet. I LOVE to bake---that's a no-brainer. Baking relaxes me.  After all, nothing soothes the soul better than a thick slice of chocolate, peanut butter cake.
     Blogging is another hobby that relaxes me, and when I combine it with a sweet treat, that's my definition of NIRVANA. This past year I've participated in several blog hops and was fortunate enough to come across a blog that immediately caught my attention---and I've been hooked ever since my first visit.  I'm talking about Karen over at www.BakingInATornado.com. I find myself stalking her site daily because the recipes, combined with her funny & heartwarming stories, are a major draw for anyone who loves sweets with a side dish of humor.  I've made several of her recipes, and folks, let me tell you, they are ALL delicious (and addicting). Just the other day I baked her egg nog bread for the three of us....and let me just confess here and now that the loaf was NOT divided evenly into thirds.
     Karen has graciously accepted my offer to do a guest post here and I am honored to have her. Luckily for us, she has brought one of her mouth-watering recipes sure to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth----especially if you have a house full of bottomless pits, also known as teenagers!


Guest Post on Menopausal Mother 

Just this past November I was “talking” to a fellow blogger on FB and she happened to mention that she has a signature cake and offered me the recipe. I suggested she write about it and Menopausal Mother became the first to Guest Post on Baking In A Tornado. Today I’m happy to have packed up my baking supplies and come to visit her back.


My blog is mostly (sometimes I’m guilty of going off on a tangent) about the baking that I do as an outlet for stress relief. Here’s why: 

I didn’t get pregnant easily. That’s actually an understatement. I never thought I’d have children, but I did and there was a time when I was the Mom of two adorable little boys. It was such a fun time for me and I’d like to think that they enjoyed their childhood as well.

As the boys got older they began spending more time with friends than with me. It was during this time that I started baking to keep the kids in snacks and found out two very important things. First, baking relieves stress. I can get lost in a recipe and tune out the world while creating something kids enjoy. Second, bake it and they will come. Literally. I was like the Pied Piper. My house was filled with kids who knew that after school they were assured a good snack and at 5:45 anyone still here got a ride home before dinner. And I knew where my kids were, who they were with, what they were doing.  

And then suddenly, out of nowhere all hell broke loose. My boys declared war, and I was the enemy.  Everyone knows that teenagers are a challenge, but here’s what they don’t tell you: adolescence is a fluid term. It doesn’t strike at any given chronological time. Don’t think that just because your child isn’t a teenager yet means that they won’t act like an adolescent. Put up your defenses, you are not safe.  I’ve developed these warning signs. Forget age, this is what you need to look out for:

1. Their bedroom door suddenly spends more time closed than open.
2. They start using words you don’t know the meaning of and are sure they made up, yet all their friends understand them.
3.  They start dousing themselves in perfume (girls) or Axe (boys), literally until you can’t breathe.
4. They never call, only text, and all those acronyms and abbreviations don’t mean a thing to you. You don’t know whether they’re telling you to throw a party or call 911.
5. Food disappears. All of it. The day you buy it. And nobody took it.

Now once you’ve hit this point, it’s time to start baking.


Crunch Cookies

Because I’m sorry to say, there’s more to come: 

6. You feel the need to “google” what their t-shirt says to be sure it’s OK for them to wear it out of the house.
7. What you once would have called a “messy bedroom” you’re now willing to accept because although it’s certainly not clean, you have to admit it’s clean-ER.
8. When asking them to do something, you’re regularly told “that’s just not going to happen”.
9. You frequently find yourself asking “why in the world would you . . .”
10. The answer to the above is usually “well, you never said I couldn’t . . .”

And once you reach this point your mixer and baking sheets are going to need a permanent home on your counter. Because if you’re anything like me, you’re about to get very busy.

I hope you’ll come visit me at my blog: www.BakingInATornado.com


Crunch Cookies

Ingredients:
1 stick butter, softened
1 stick margarine, softened
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups Cocoa Krispie cereal
1 cup mini chocolate chips

Directions:
*Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease cookie sheets.
*Beat butter, margarine, sugar, egg and vanilla for one minute.
*Mix in flour, baking soda and salt.
*Gently mix in the cereal and mini chocolate chips. Try not to break up the cereal.
*Gently roll into balls and put about 20 on a baking sheet. Press down slightly with the heel of your hand.
*Bake for 12 minutes. 
*Let cool for one to two minutes on cookie sheet before removing.

105 comments:

  1. Thanks, Menopausal Mother, for your hospitality!

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  2. I'm not a baker, but I am creative. However, I don't think I'll ever be able to devise a method that will allow me to blog and crochet a great snack.

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    Replies
    1. You really should try her recipes--everything I have made of hers so far is beyond yummy!!! My crew loves her recipes!

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  3. Being there and seeing it from the outside, that's how it felt in the guest post by Karen.
    Amazingly portrayed.
    Beautiful Blog.

    Merry Christmas, Take Care :)

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    1. You've got to make the recipe! Everything she makes is DELICIOUS!

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  4. One of my favorite bloggers on another one of my favorite blogs, why it's a total win-win! :-D So you're saying I'd better start looking for a stand mixer? I have a few years-my son will be 8 next week.

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    Replies
    1. Even if you have to make these yummy cookies with a hand mixer, do it--you won't regret it!

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  5. Great Spotlight and definitely enjoyed reading this posting. I am a recipe hoarder, so definitely grabbing the cookie recipe! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. All of her recipes are AMAZING!!!! Go to her site and collect a bunch!

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  6. Could not have said it better. You are my favourite blogger and the 2 of you work well together.

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    1. Thanks, Lanthie. You made my day! Love you XOXO!!!!!

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  7. YUM! I love anything with rice krispies in it. I'm sure going to miss cookies when Brian and I start our diet next week.

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    Replies
    1. I know what you mean---I'm eating like crazy now and then all hell will break loose after the New Year when I have to start a strict diet!!!

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  8. Haha! Great guest post! I've got two adorable little boys and now I'm terrified! Loved the bake and they will come tip:) will definitely give this recipe a shot. Thanks Karen and Marcia. Happy New Year everyone!

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    1. Hi Josie! So good to see you here again! Boys are fun but they WILL eat you out of house and home with their gigantic appetites!

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  9. The cookies sound delicious. Thank you for the recipe!

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    1. Try it and lets us know how you like them--I've made several of Karen's recipes and they always turn out perfect and delicious!

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  10. I love the "Top Ten." Some sound very familiar...

    Will add Karen to my "Fave's"

    Happy New Year to All, Slu

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    Replies
    1. Karen would love that, Slu. And I just know you will enjoy trying out some of her recipes!

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  11. Replies
    1. Sounds good, doesn't it? I'm thinking they would make a yummy snack for my New Year's Eve party!!!!

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  12. Thank you for sharing Karen's blog on your site. I love the guest post and those cookies look delish!!! As always, a wonderful fun post on your blog. I too am addicted to sweets and am seriously contemplating baking a batch of these cookies tonight!

    Thank you, Mahalo so much for linking up to the Aloha Friday Blog Hop last week. I am following you back by the way. :)

    If you have time, we'd love to have you come and link up to the Aloha Friday Blog Hop if you haven't already! We are hosting a great giveaway too which is a wonderful opportunity to give some extra exposure to you lovely blog. Come and link up, enter the giveaway (if you haven't yet) and celebrate the coming weekend with us!

    Aloha,

    Jean {What Jean Likes}

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jean! I am already a follower of yours and I just signed up for your awesome blog. Yes--you definitely should try out Karen's recipes--they are ALL amazingly good!

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  13. Definitely trying some of these out!!

    New follower from the Social Hop!

    xo,

    Ange

    hairsprayandhighheels.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the visit and the follow, Jersey Girl---I'm coming over to your place, now!!!

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  14. My son and his friends were like a band of locusts cleaning out the pantry. They do grow out of that kind of eating, however.

    http://joycelansky.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. LOVE this metaphor---"band of locusts"--actually, good name for a rock band! Hi Joyce! Thanks for visiting!

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  15. How cute... I will definitely have to take a peak at her blog... what she says is so true... I love my children but ooohhh... when my oldest was a teenager, I thought I had gone crazy... lol. I am so hoping Valentina will be different... yeah.. not likely... hahahaha

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    1. The teen years are a struggle, that's for sure. But once they become young adults, they become your best friends! Definitely checkout Karen's blog! You'll love it!

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  16. hey! I'm new to your blog via blog hops! This is hilarious, I soooo can wait until my little boy (he is 3 going on 16) is that age! hope to keep in touch <3 christin

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    Replies
    1. Glad you found my site and hope you come back of r more reads. Be sure to check out Karen's blog too for more humor and delicious recipes!

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  17. This post is funny and so TRUE! Baking is a good thing though because it's the one thing your teens will still seek you out for (Hey, mom, where'd those cookies go that you baked?). lol

    The recipe looks good, and the eggnog bread mentioned in the intro. sounds good too!

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    Replies
    1. Teenagers will always love you if you bake goodies for them!!! Check out all of Karen's posts for the past month--you'll find her egg nog bread recipe there, along with her FABULOUS egg nog toffee bars!!!

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  18. This recipe sounds incredible!!! As a mom of teenagers, I can relate -- sad to lose all that precious time that has slip slided away!

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    Replies
    1. But once they become young adults, they really do become your friends!!

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  19. LOVE your site!! LOVE the recipe!!
    New follower, hope you follow back!!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Crystal! I will certainly check out your site!!!

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  20. New follower from the TGIF blog hop.

    Also I am a post menopausal mom - and I am here to tell you, there is LIFE after menopause.

    Hope you will follow me back.

    http://lessonsonthecheap.blogspot.com/

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    Replies
    1. Your words encourage me! So happy to meet a fellow mom on the other side of menopause--I will DEFINITELY check out your site!!!!

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  21. Thanks for the follow---glad you like what you read and I will be over to check out your blog as well!

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  22. LOL My oldest is getting to the teen stage. I swear if I have another conversation about why a skirt is too short... I think it is time for rum balls. ;)

    x,
    Becca

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  23. Hi Karen, Hi MM... I thought I might see you two working together again.
    I don't have any children so I'm all clear there. The cookies look delicious, I wish I had someone who could try the recipe for me. Because they certainly would not be as delicious if I tried to make them.
    I enjoyed reading your story and I'm sure I'll be seeing you both around. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jon! If you lived closer I'd bring you a fresh batch--you know I am always looking for an excuse to bake! And hey, Happy New Year to you, too!!

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  24. Yummo!! I will be trying these in the very near future!

    I am so glad I found your blog on the Aloha Blog Hop

    Jay

    http://youngmumsguidetosurvival.blogspot.com.au/

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jay! I'm glad you found me, too! Yes, try out the recipe!!!!

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  25. Oh so delicious! I love sweets. This is one I'll have to reward myself with. Love the name of your blog!

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    1. Thanks, Hope! I love sweets too---perhaps a little too much, so I am planning on baking these lovely things on New Year's Eve!

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  26. Too awesome. Both the recipe and the editorial. :)

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    Replies
    1. Awwww, thanks for the compliment---much appreciated, and so happy to see you here!

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  27. Happy New Year. I found you through Aloha Blog Hop. Stop by and say hi when you get a minute. :)

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    1. Hi Lanetta! Glad you found me--I'll be over to check out your site!

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  28. Hello BakingInATornado, another one of my favorite bloggers on another one of my favorite blogs. Double the barrel of laughs I say :)

    I don't envy anyone going through the teenage spell, it's not easy (for parent and child, ha ha) but it usually pays off when the hit the age of 30 plus... loved the 10 points, spot on ha ha ha ha. I don't have any teenagers but when I'm out and about, it's fascinating listening to how they talk nowadays, it's like a new language. Anyway, those crunch cookies look a treat, dare I make some this weekend?
    HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and to Menopausal Mama. Looking forward to all the New Year brings. :)

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    1. Hi RPD! I'm always happy to see you here. Yes, please do try the cookies this weekend and let us know what you think!!!

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    2. Thanks so much, Rum-Punch Drunk. I thoroughly enjoyed Menopausal Mama's hospitality. Happy New Year to you!

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  29. Hi there from the blog hop! New follower, you can find me at http://theresmagicoutthere.blogspot.com/ Happy Holidays!

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    1. Thanks for the follow! I will certainly check out your site!

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  30. I have to agree that dealing with your teenage children who are hormonal are hard work-recently I discovered that my son deactivated his facebook account, but---found out that he has a new account, and NO ONE IN OUR FAMILY is on his friends list! apparently it's not cool that your mother was the first one to like your photos--that is a complete saddo, according to them...and you're not allowed to make a comment too--so in order to stop you from doing it, either they'll block you, or unfriend you... :(

    and for others who haven't deleted you? I bet you they have another account that's meant for their classmates and friends only, and us parents do not know that!!! :)

    PS- Thanks for the recipe...will (fingers crossed) try it this new year! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is so true! My youngest son used to get mad at me for liking his status and God forbid if I left a comment there. I have learned to keep my mouth shut but quietly stalk his page to see what he is up to....Lol!

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  31. Quite an interesting post. I wonder if I'll still be dealing with a lot of those issues since we home school our kids. However, I have noticed the older one seems to be testing the waters of attitude the older he gets. However, so FAR the older he gets the more he likes to keep his room cleaner. Umm..go..figure???

    I only bake when I'm dying for something sweet or when my family begs me to do it or at Christmas time.

    As always, enjoyed my visit here. :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by, Crystal--I love seeing you here! Your oldest is doing his job by testing the waters--that's how they learn to spread their wings and get their independence--tough as it is on the parents!

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  32. Gotta try these cookies. My "baby" is 23, still at home, and eats any sweet he can find in the house. Don't think they ever outgrow that! Thanks for stopping by my site, I Create Purty Thangs. Am following you.

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    1. My oldest is 25 and loves the sweets, too! Thanks for the follow!

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  33. Oh my goodness, I'm a sucker for sweets too! Newest follower here!
    -Kristen

    The Mrs. and The Momma

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  34. Hello :)) Thanks for linking up with my NO RULES Weekend Blog Party! Those cookies sound YUM!!

    Happy New Years!
    Paula
    lifeasweknowitbypaula.blogspot.com

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  35. Wow, these sound delicious!! Thanks for linking up with us for Mommy Moments!
    TheNotQuiteMilitaryWife.blogspot.com

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  36. Oh my gosh! I don't want my girl to ever grow up! I'm scared. I guess I should learn how to bake now...

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  37. You are a funny lady! Thanks for the laughs this morning I'm a new follower! Please come check out my blog:)

    http://www.shecookscraftsruns.net

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the visit and the follow, Sara! I'll be sure to stop by.

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  38. Hi there,
    Just stopping over from the blog hop to admire your page! I'm now following you on "Networked blogs"! If you have a moment to stop by my new blog and follow back that would be wonderful! You can find me at http://dysfunctionsjunction.com
    Thanks!
    Katie

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the follow, Katie. I'm hopping over now to check out your new blog! And welcome to the blogging world!

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  39. You are so funny! Stopping by from the blog hop, Im already a follower!

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    1. Thanks for the visit, Marium. Hope you'll come back for more of my insanity and check out Karen's blog, too!

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  40. Oh, I love you both so much. Sorry it's taken so long to comment...Dang holidays. Anywhoo, I'm baking the cookies, even though I've resolved to eat healthier...because I have two teenagers and an 8 year old. Help me. Please. XOX

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    Replies
    1. I'd help you eat them but I made a triple batch and still have leftovers--I put them in the freezer for when the kids come down for another visit---otherwise I'd eat them all myself....

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  41. In the spirit of sharing I have a recipe for a Mango Smoothie that is killer!

    1. Get 1 quart of vodka and one mango
    2. Fill 1 quart jug with ice.
    3. Dump out ice, get 2 quart jug
    4. Fill 2 qt. jug with ice
    5. Empty bottle of vodka into jug.
    6. Throw out mango.

    Enjoy!

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  42. New Follower! Found you through the Followers to Friends Link up! Love your blog! Stop by my blog at http://www.kjaggers.com anytime and if you like what you see, follow back! Happy New Year! K Jaggers

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    1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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    2. @ Menapausal Mama....so sorry for the crazy girl leaving the comment above. That's what evil looks like. I hate she is bothering my blogging friends. If its not Kisha Jaggers its not me. So sorry.

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    3. Thanks for the visit and the follow! ;-)

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  43. My mom blogs too and I think she will love your blog! I will have to also send her over... but you can check her out at lenettacarnes.blgospot.com! Can't wait to get to know you better!

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    1. Funny coincidence--she has already visited my site and I joined her GFC!

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  44. Thanks for sharing the great recipe. I don't really read through recipes, I have to skip that part because I only do the test of the end result and say, "This is absolutely delicious! Can you make some more next week." :)

    I love chocolate too, especially when I'm stressed out, I eat a lot of chocolates and chocolate ice-cream. Blogging is great because of the nice people I get to know, unlike real people I find around me :)

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    1. I love chocolate too--it soothes the soul! And yes, most of the bloggers I've met are nicer than the average person I know!

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  45. Love the guest post! !L O V E chocolate, especially when it's in a cookie!!

    Looking forward to reading more of your blog in 2013!

    I hope you're having a great week and a Happy New Year!

    Thank you so much for linking up to last week's Aloha Friday Blog Hop!! I'm following you.

    If you have time, we'd love to have you come and link up to the Aloha Friday Blog Hop if you haven't already! (Thank you so very much if you've already linked up, I truly appreciate it!!)

    Come and link up and celebrate the coming weekend with us!

    Aloha,

    Jean {What Jean Likes}

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  46. Karen has done it again! Love her wit and humor and her baked goodies never disappoint. I don't like this adolescent stage--it's up ahead for me and I'm not liking the sound of it one bit! :)

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  47. There was a period of about two years when my mother and i just didn't get along at all. Constant yelling and yammering and bitching on both sides and we just pushed each other's buttons enough to launch a nuclear war (and often did...but fortunately just confined to our own house ;) Mom says I went to bed a little girl one night and woke up the next morning a teenager - there was no gradual change, it was like an overnight thing. But, she lived and I lived and we're very very close - I'm sure your boys have grown up and have become fine men!

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  48. Stopping by from the blog hop. You made me giggle. I have three teens ( one boy and two girls) and I think they are bi- polar. One minute they love me dearly and the next they want nothing to do with me.
    www.cheermamadram.blogspot.com

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  49. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  50. I will let you know at the end of the month how the cookies turned out. Nothing like chocolate chip cookies or cereal. Great combination.

    Please stop by and link up at my site: http://www.blended4purpose.com

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  51. following you on pinterest fri hop
    http://14surgar.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
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