Junk Food

Well, I've made 2 batches of Mixed-Nut Spiced Toffee and a double batch of Goalpost Crunch (Recipe follows) to take to Camp Esperanza on Saturday. The food there leaves much to be desired, and the counselors like to sit around and gourge ourselves after the young'uns go to bed. The Goalpost Crunch is a tradition. My cabin mates would probably kick me out if I didn't bring it! I generally only make the toffee at Christmas, but thought it sounded good so made some up.
This is also the only time of the year I allow myself to buy Oreos--the double stuff kind. Yum! They'll be gone by Monday night.

OK, sort of a funny story about the Goalpost Crunch. As I was buying the cereal, I noticed there was a new kind of Chex--whole wheat. You know, higher fiber, healthier, etc. So I got it. I noticed by the size/weight of the box that it was much more dense, and made a mental note that this is a good thing. So here I am planning on making this fat and calorie laden snack, and I'm concerned with getting the cereal with the hightest fiber. Well, I might add that for those of us adults at camp, fiber is an important thing. You know, you're eating food that you normally wouldn't touch, you're body is thrown into a funky schedule, you never have any private time-->it can really throw your body's natural cycle into disarray! Yep, fiber is good. Even if it comes amidst more sugar, butter, and salty pretzels than one normally eats.


So, with running around picking up last minute things, making the above, showing my house/dog sitters what to do when I'm gone, and catching up with a few long distance friends, I had no time to cook dinner. I splurged on an iFratelli's pizza. Yum.


Tomorrow is full of last minute errands, a $100 market research interview for an hour of my time, a back-to-school party at my principal's house (already???), and a visit with friends who recently had twin girls. Maybe I'll get to hold them this time!

Until next time...

Goalpost Crunch

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
6 cups mini pretzels
6 cups Rice Chex® -- or Corn Chex, Crispix, etc.
1 cup pecan halves
1 cup brown sugar -- packed (I used light brown sugar)
1/2 cup butter -- no substitutes
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 tsp. Vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. Baking soda

Combine pretzels, cereal, and pecans in 4 qt. bowl and set aside.


In a 2 qt. Glass bowl (I used my Pyrex 4 cup measuring cup), mix together the brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup.
Microwave mixture on HIGH until mixture boils (about 3 minutes); stirring once to dissolve sugar. Microwave on 30% power for 4 minutes or until mixture is golden brown. (I did 2 min. on low and 2 min. on med-low)
Stir in vanilla and baking soda.


Pour over dry cereal/pretzel mixture. Toss to coat evenly. Microwave on HIGH uncovered 4 to 4-1/2 minutes, or until lightly glossed (don't over-cook or it will scorch). Stir twice. Spoon onto large cookie sheets that have been covered with greased foil or parchment paper. Cool and break into pieces or chunks. Store in airtight container.