QOTD that says a lot

[mdlbear]

$coworker: How are you?

me: (pause) OK.

$coworker: Just OK?

me: (pause) Believe me, "just barely OK" is a big improvement.

Comments

[wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com]

Long distance hugs! I'm glad it's up to OK. Hope the trend upward continues.

[acelightning.livejournal.com]

Hey, I just baked some Fruity Oaty Bars - I can't send you one, but I can give you the recipe, if you want it...

[mdlbear]

Absolutely!

[mdlbear]

I hope so, too. It's a bumpy ride so far.

[paltergo.livejournal.com]

Glad to hear its up to "OK". I hope things continue to get better.

[brmj.livejournal.com]

I too would be interested in this recipe. I am part of a Firefly group that holds shindigs about once a month. I bet everyone would appreciate them.

[brmj.livejournal.com]

It's unfortunate that "OK" is as good as it gets for you right now. I hope things keep improving for you.

[acelightning.livejournal.com]

My husband eats these in place of lunch (he doesn't like sandwiches, and we can't afford for him to buy lunch out every day). They are very nutrient-dense - consider one of these equivalent to a moderate meal, not a dessert or snack!


FRUITY OATY BARS

Preheat oven to 350°. Use an 11"x7" or 8" square pan, lined with aluminum foil and buttered.

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted and cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
1 1/2 cups plain rolled oats (regular or quick-cooking)
1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 cup "mini" chocolate chips

1 10 to 12-oz. jar seedless red raspberry jam

Blend all the dry ingredients together until thoroughly mixed. Add the butter and vanilla and mix well, until everything is evenly moistened. Mixture will be dry and crumbly.

Put half the mixture into the pan and press it it down very firmly in an even layer. Spread the entire contents of the jar of jam on top of the dough. Spread the rest of the dough mixture on top of the jam and pat it down - you won't be able to pack it as firmly as the bottom layer. Bake at 350° for 40 to 50 minutes, until lightly browned. Sing the "Fruity Oaty Bars" jingle from Serenity while they bake.

Cool in pan, on a wire rack, until completely cooled. Lift out the entire slab, using the foil, and invert on a cutting board. Carefully peel away the foil. Cut into 8 or 12 bars. Package each piece individually in a Ziplock™ bag; store in refrigerator, although they'll keep okay at room temperature from morning until lunchtime.

[acelightning.livejournal.com]

See above...

[mdlbear]

Thanks. As I've said elsewhere, I'll take any improvement I can get.

[mdlbear]

Thanks.