I feel like we are finally in a rhythm with school-kids are going to bed on time, because they are exhausted.  I can happily say that my kids wake up happy 3 out of 5 school days. That’s good, right?  We have cut down the amount of after school activities considerably and this year our house has gone from three kids to two. Which, by the way, makes a huge difference!  What were we thinking when we decided to go for the third??  I’m just kidding!!  The third child makes life so fun and adds such a fun dynamic to our family.  But, it is more chaotic for sure.  

So, now that we are parenting experts (martinis help with that illusion) we have had time to enjoy family dinners.  A trick I have learned is to ask trivia questions during dinner.  It keeps them engaged and it also gets us off of the typical “how was your day”?  Years ago when we started this I found an OLD Junior Trivial Pursuit game and took the questions out of it and that is what we use most of the time.  It is quite hysterical since the questions are so old.  Half the time the kids do not even know what I am referring to. Questions like “Who are the characters on the Love Boat?” They look at me like I am 100 years old.  Don’t worry I have found some updated questions, but the old questions are fun!
With a bit more time on my hands I have started experimenting with desserts.  We are not a huge dessert family.  None of us really like sweets.  But, this dessert is AMAZING!  There are two things mu kids will tell you I LOVE-Cheetos and Heath Bars. Sometimes together-do not judge! So, this recipe is for a “homemade” Heath Bar.  It takes no time and everyone will love it!

 

Toffee Bars

1 cup packed brown sugar
2 sticks of butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg yolk
1 cup flour
6 chocolate bars (Hershey, Ghiradelli, Lindt)
1/2 cup toffee bits

Preheat oven to 325°

In a medium sized bowl, cream together sugar, butter, vanilla and egg yolk.  Mix in flour until combined.

Spread mixture into a greased 9"x13" baking dish.  Bake for 20-23 minutes.  The edges will begin to brown and bubble.

Remove from the oven and immediately place the chocolate bars in a single layer on top of hot dough.  Let sit for 5 minutes.  

Using a knife spread out the melted chocolate.  

Top with toffee bits.  Let cool until chocolate hardens and cut into squares.