Changes

So, at the beginning of the month, I joined several other bloggers in a project to set some goals and make healthy changes.  Today, we are supposed to talk about what our favorite change has been!  Well, I would love to say that it was drinking lots of water or cooking a lot more...but I didn't really succeed in either of those goals, though I did reach my goal of cooking at least twice each month! 

Due to my busy month, I didn't actually cook that much but, I think to this point, my favorite things I have started doing is making a grocery list.  In trying to cook more, I'm actually looking at recipes and need to remember what to get.  So, that means that I need a list.  This is helpful is more than one way...first off, it makes sure that you get everything you need.  Secondly, it keeps you focused so that you don't add too many un-needed items.  This all helps keep purchases within whatever your decided budget it.  Hopefully, my list will lead to more homecooked meals!  :-)  Check out other favorites with the other bloggers joining the Eat. Live. Be challenge (list below the recipe)

Sometimes, changes are needed to recipes.  When I was home one weekend, I found a recipe in a new cookbook my mom had that looked great!  It was an oatmeal bar with caramel in the middle.  Ooey, gooey, deliciousness!  I forgot to the get the recipe, so I had her e-mail it to me. 

She kept telling me it was 2.5 CUPS of butter.  She even looked multiple times in the book...it said 2.5 cups.  I just couldn't imagine that was right.  That would be 5 sticks of butter.  WOW...crazy!  So, when I made the recipe, I started with 2.5 sticks...yeah, I think that's what they meant!  Even that was a little soupy.  So, if you make this, you might want to try decreasing the butter to 2 sticks (or 1 cup).  I took it to the ER on one of my shifts and they were definitely enjoyed.  I love the combination of the caramel and oatmeal.  Perfect!  I definitely recommend this...and please, change the butter to 2.5 sticks...NOT 2.5 cups!  :-)

Caramel Delights

2 1/2 cups flour
2 1/2 cups oatmeal
2 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp. baking soda
2 1/2 cups butter, melted
1 (14 oz) bag of cubed caramels
1/2 cup cream or milk
2 cups chocolate chips
nuts and coconut optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all dry ingredients together, add melted butter. Line a 9 X 13 pan with half of the mixture and reserve the rest. Bake for 10-15 minutes. Remove and sprinkle chocolate chips over all.

In a separate bowl melt caramel and cream. Pour caramel over chocolate chips. Crumble the second half of the oatmeal mixture over the top of everything. Then top with as many nuts and as much coconut as desired. Bake for another 15 minutes. Cool, cut and serve.  Enjoy!

•Sarah Caron - http://www.sarahscucinabella.com/
•Cate O’Malley - http://www.sweetnicks.com/
•Maris Callahan - http://www.ingoodtasteblog.net/
•Chris Arpante - http://www.melecotte.com/
•Faith - www.clickblogappetit.com/
•Kristen - http://www.dineanddish.net/
•Emily - http://andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com/
•Jenna - FireMom - http://stopdropandblog.com/
•Casey - http://www.thestarnesfam.com/
•Patsy - http://familyfriendsandfood.blogspot.com/
•Tri-Fit Mom - http://trifitmom.blogspot.com/
•Allison - http://sweetflours.blogspot.com/
•Jen - http://njepicurean.blogspot.com/
•Leslie - http://www.thehungryhousewife.com/.
•Rivki Locker - http://www.healthyeatingforordinarypeople.com/
•Claudia - Journey of an Italian Cook
•Jennifer Schulz - http://lick-a-plate.blogspot.com/
•Sarah Rogers - http://sarahssweetcreations.blogspot.com/
Denise and Lenny - http://www.chezus.com/