nom nom nom

The average person gains 5lbs over the Holidays.  What does this mean for pregnant ladies?  15lbs is ok, right? right??  So what better way to pack on some winter pounds than with Monster Cookies.  These are easy and oh so good.  Throw in some red and green M&M's and you have got yourself some last minute Christmas goodies to take to the family gatherings.

Monster Cookie
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
3 eggs 
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 tsp. white corn syrup
4 1/2 cups quick oats
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup dark chocolate m&ms (red & green for Christmas)
1/2 cup chocolate chips
mix & bake for 8 to 10 minutes on 350


In need of something on the lighter side to take?  Please make this festive salad.  I have made it numerous times and it is a hit!

Autumn Chopped Salad - adapted from Espresso and Cream
6 to 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
2 medium pears, chopped
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped pecans
4 to 6 oz. feta cheese, crumbled (I used Fat Free)
Poppy seed Salad Dressing 
Balsamic Vinaigrette (I used Trader Joe's Fat Free)
I used about a cup of dressing: 70 percent poppy seed dressing and 30 percent balsamic vinaigrette

Both of these are toddler friendly, as in you can make them with one dangling from your leg.  Just remember knives are sharp and the oven is hot...

Sweet Lumber Jack