Still having Fun!

Friday was a day of running around for me.  I was KitchenAid Carlin, I made it to the dollar store and found what I needed, and we went out to dinner.  By the time we headed out to dinner we were both hungry but decided on a place that sounded like what we needed for dinner.

We got to the restaurant, there was a wait, I headed to a clear area to stand and happened to see the rating sheet and saw the total was 84!  Okay, benefit of the doubt, I read it to see what the actual violations were.  They were all for holding food at correct temperatures, receiving food at correct temperatures, storing food at correct temperatures, and heating to correct temperatures.  This could all cause food borne illness, so I went up to the hostess and told her we had to leave and go to another restaurant.  She asked why and I explained nicely.  She assured me that things weren't that bad, but I assured her there was no way I'd be able to eat there. 

I know I drive my husband crazy and myself too because we were both hungry and tired and now had to get to another place to eat and probably wait again.  But we did, had a good dinner and even got a little shopping done after dinner.  I will have to start checking ratings more.

Saturday was my class at Cook's Warehouse in Ansley Mall with the 6 to 9 year olds.  We made Gifts from the Kitchen and had a great time.  We made Banana Split Bark, Cranberry Orange Cookies and Peppermint Bark Hearts.  They also packaged some to take home in cute little containers I found at the dollar store.









Banana Split Bark from Pillsbury

16 ounces chocolate flavored candy coating, chopped
2 dried pineapple rings, coarsely chopped, about 1/2 cup
3/4 cup dried sweetened banana chips, broken into pieces
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
1/3 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup white vanilla baking chips

1. Line large cookie sheet with parchment paper. 
2. In 2 quart saucepan, melt chocolate coating over low heat, stirring constantly.
   
3. In medium bowl mix pineapple, banana chips, pecans and cherries, reserve 1/2 cup.
4. Add remaining fruit mixture to melted candy, toss to coat.
   
5. Cool 5 minutes at room temperature then gently fold in the baking chips. 
   
6. Spread mixture evenly into 12x9 inch rectangle on cookie sheet, sprinkle with reserved mixture.
   
7. Cool until set, about 30 minutes.
   
8. Break into pieces, store in an airtight container. 

Yesterday I had a few hours as KitchenAid Carlin and then attended a party.  I had a good time, some food, lots of chatting with people, home and ready to sleep by 9:30!

Today is busy too.  I am heading to Jazzercise this morning because I have a class at the Y tonight.  I'm shopping this morning for the party I'm donating tomorrow for The Beacon of Hope client Christmas party.  I've been doing this party for probably 10 years.  This year the expectation is 40 people but we really have no idea. 

My friend Kevin helps out with the party so I'll call her when I'm ready to shop.  Tomorrow she'll help me cook and serve the meal.  This year is easier because some of the Sunday school groups at church wanted to help so they are taking care of desserts and drinks. 

Kevin and I are doing shrimp,cheese and crackers for starters, beef, potatoes, green beans, and bread for dinner.  I have to go to Jazzercise now and get ready for the day.