Video Games For One…

Finals were over for Lawyerboy. This was the first time since August that he was able to not think about reading, writing, and the law. Even though he still stressed about how his finals had gone, he had to wait until January to see the results. It wasn’t even the middle of December, so he now had plenty of free time. He very quickly got real acquainted with his X-box 360.

I on the other hand, continued to teach and go to Target. I was also still struggling with my stomach pains that first occurred on Halloween. My stomach felt tight a lot or it was upset. I am one of those who puts off going to the doctor as long as possible. I needed to find a doctor to have my blood taken so I could get more thyroid pills, so I thought maybe I could do a two-in-one, but knew I didn’t have time before Christmas. I just hoped my pain would go away and if not, I’d deal with it in the new year.

Coming home everyday from teaching and then quickly having to go to the next job has never been fun. It was however easier when Lawyerboy was reading and studying. Seeing him playing video games or watching a movie was alright the first couple days because he truly deserved to relax. Plus, it didn’t cost anything for him to play video games. However, by day four, it was simply annoying. I know Lawyerboy felt bad that I was working, because that is his personality, but what could he do about it? Nothing really. It definitely caused bickering about things that didn’t even matter, because I was sweating the small stuff, like I tend to do. For example, Lawyerboy sometimes was not putting his dishes in the dishwasher (But really, is it that hard?) or paying the bill on time.

The one thing that kept me going was that in less than two weeks we were going home! I missed it so much! I wanted to see my parents, siblings, dog, farm, and friends. I was also so looking forward to my mom’s cooking and baking. It is always good, but there is nothing like the meals and goodies at Christmas. One thing I was really looking forward to were her Snickers bars. The recipe is from one of her aunt and uncles families cookbooks. They are sensational!

Snickers Bars:

Prep Time: 1 hour – Serves: Many!

Bottom Layer:

1 cup milk chocolate chips

1/4 cup butterscotch chips

1/3 cup creamy peanut butter

Combine in a small saucepan. Stir over low heat until melted and smooth. Spread onto the bottom of a greased 9 X 13 pan. Put it in the refrigerator to set.

Filling:

1/4 cup butter

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup evaporated milk

14 ounces marshmallow crème

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups salted peanuts, chopped

First, chop the peanuts so they are ready to be added at the end. Then, melt the butter over medium heat in a heavy saucepan. Add the sugar and evaporated milk. Turn up the heat and bring this to a boil. Boil and stir for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in the marshmallow crème, peanut butter, and vanilla. Last add the peanuts and mix together. Spread this evenly over the bottom layer. Put the pan back in the refrigerator until set.

Caramel Layer:

11 to 14 ounces caramel*

1/4 cup whipping cream

Put the caramel and whipping cream in a saucepan and heat over low heat. Stir until melted and smooth. Spread over the filling layer. Refrigerate until set. *The unwrapped caramel pieces are the best! They come in an 11 ounce bag. I find that is enough. If I have more on hand, I will add closer to 14 ounces.

Top Layer:

1 cup milk chocolate chips

1/4 cup butterscotch chips

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Combine in a small saucepan. Stir over low heat until melted and smooth. Spread onto the top of the caramel. Put it in the refrigerator for at least an hour to set. Cut into small square pieces. Store in the refrigerator or freezer, otherwise they get too soft to hold… not that you’ll hold them longer than it takes to put them in your mouth!

The recipe notes that each layer sets while you prepare the next one. Also, that this isn’t as “putsy” as it looks. I have found that she is right!