Daily Delight

Inspired by other blogs like Little Sussy and Dooce - I am starting a daily (usually) pick of things that delight me. Dooce has a daily photo, a daily style pick, and a daily doggie item. I am not so ambitious and will choose a variety of things.

Keep an eye on the link to the right, on my sidebar. Look for these fun delights to start in the next couple of days!

Date Bars

I'm pretty sure my best friend during Roland's early days will be my Baby Bjorn. Or rather, my cheaper equivalent; I think it's a Snugli. I'm finding if I want to accomplish anything at all, this baby has to come along. Unless he's locked in his room, I run the risk of his older brothers torturing him in the name of love. And since a decent portion of his hours are spent sleeping, but only if you hold him, I'm breaking out this multi-tasking device early. Today I decided I was craving date bars, so Roley and I went to work while Emmett was napping.

I love date bars (mom's recipe again) and somehow dates seem healthy, although I don't know much about them except they are a fruit. I think. Obviously I love these bars because they have tons of sugar & butter in them. And I love an oatmeal crust, crumble, topping, etc. Even if you think you don't like dates - these bars will win you over.

Bottom & Top Crusts
1 c. butter, softened
1 3/4 c. oatmeal
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. brown sugar
1 3/4 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt

Mix all together until crumbly and press half in the bottom of a greased 9 x 13 pan.

Filling
1/2-3/4 c. sugar
3 Tbs. flour
2 c. chopped dates
1 1/4 c. hot water

Cook in a saucepan on the stove and stir until thick.

Pour filling over crust, sprinkle top crust on and bake for 30 min. at 350 degrees.

Let's pretend this is my baby...

Let's face it - I'm not the world's greatest photographer. And as much as I would love to be more accomplished, I figure I'm good enough to chronicle our family and taking a class is low on my priority list right now. Although I would love to develop this skill when my time is a little more flexible, i.e. when the boys are all in school. One of my favorite blogs is A Little Sussy, by Nicole Hill. She is a fabulous (and professional) photographer who actually teaches classes on the side. Too bad she lives in Utah. As I checked her blog today I found this little gem of a photo shoot. Let's just pretend this is my new baby. I swear he looks just like that. And his pictures would too if Nicole had taken them. But Roley will just have to suffer through his mother's unprofessional enthusiasm, just like his brothers.

My Son

I am pleased to announce the birth of my third son, Roland Flynn Carpenter. He was born easily on Wed. Jan 30th at 3pm. 7 lbs. 14 oz. 21 in. We love him dearly! Please see our family blog, Carpenter Clan, for more pictures and details.

A big thanks to all the people who have treated me so well already. My sweet husband, Aaron, who continues to help take care of everything, despite being sick and definitely being on his last nerve with our two monkey sons. Our families who have pitched in tons with babysitting, housecleaning, and general sweetness. And all the ward members, friends, and family who have brought flowers, food, and good company! Roland is a lucky boy.

Bran Muffins

This is my favorite recipe for bran muffins; my mother's recipe & the one I grew up on. They are no diet muffins, but the bran is good for you, right? They have plenty of sugar, which is why I like them. Also, the batter keeps for a long time in the frig and I love fresh muffins! Actually, fresh muffins are about all I'll eat. As my husband will attest, I will only eat fresh, out-of-the-oven breakfast carbs. No reheated biscuits, muffins, pancakes or waffles for me. So I love that I can just pop 3 or 4 tins of bran muffin mix into the oven and have fresh goodies any day. Especially since I'm scheduled to have my baby on Wed. Nothing like an easy to prepare breakfast in those first few weeks. Hope the boys like them.

Bran Muffin Mix

2 c. Post 100% Bran
2 c. boiling water
3 c. sugar
1 c. oil
4 eggs
1 qt. buttermilk
5 c. flour
5 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
4 c. Kellogs All Bran

Add the boiling water to the 100% Bran and let sit.
Mix the sugar, oil, and eggs in a very large bowl. Add the buttermilk and mix. Add the hot bran and mix. Add the flour, soda, salt and mix. Add the All Bran.
Keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Will keep for 6-8 weeks. Bake at 400° for 20 min.

A note - I can't find Post 100% Bran at the grocery store anymore. It is very similar to the All Bran, like little sticks. I'm guessing you could just use All Bran for the whole thing. Today I tried half bran flakes for the 4 c. at the end, for a little variety. We'll see how it turned out tomorrow morning. Maybe your grocery store will have the 100% Bran.