That Graham Cracker Thing

This dessert is one for the ages. Mr. Smith refers to it as "That Graham Cracker Thing."

So easy, so so so so very very yummy, addictive even and sort of healthy. Okay, not exactly healthy, but as desserts go, it is more healthy than most. Also, you can dictate exactly how sinful you want to make it.

It Graham Crackers, vanilla pudding mixed with Cool Whip and topped with easily the SWEETEST chocolate frosting you will ever encounter. Just like an eclair.

This is one of those that people will beg you to make. You will find yourself pining for it. Even when you make a lowish-cal version, it tastes soooooo decadent. Mix it up a little and try a different flavor of pudding, it could work. I have even used cinnamon graham crackers a few times and it was AMAZING!

Make it to take for a pot luck dinner. Make it for dessert after Sunday dinner. Make it and eat the whole thing yourself and don't feel guilty for a moment. Okay, maybe for a moment, but it will pass, I assure you.

I would strongly advise that you make this ahead of time. I am talking a bare minimum of 4 hours, but 6 or so is much better. Once you have tasted it, it is extremely hard to wait that long, but it is worth it.

Leave the house, take a drive, go shopping and try to forget about it. Even though you won't, it will be a lovely thing to come home to.

I served this when my cousin Denise and her husband David were visiting one time, and to quote David, "Now, this is what I call dessert!"

You know, just writing about this is making me want it again. I will have to make it this weekend and post some photos.

Maybe I will make it as a little boo boo present for Mr. Smith after his surgery.

Peanut Butter Bars

I found this recipe today on this gal's blog.

These are kind of a cross between candy and a bar cookie. They are rich, but not over powering. Mr. Smith maintains that there is too much peanut butter and not enough chocolate. I, of course, feel that there is no such thing as too much peanut butter. What an insane notion! Obviously, this is a dispute that will NEVER be settled. Two oldest children duking it out over something so trivial. Perhaps this dispute will supplant the Abraham Lincoln argument (was he, or was he not a good president, I say yes, Mr. Smith, not so much...go ahead talk amongst yourselves)

Anyway, I am always looking for new ways to increase the amount of peanut butter in my diet, these fit the bill perfectly.

1 cup butter

1 cup peanut butter

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

2 cups confectioner sugar

1 1/2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips

4 Tablespoons peanut butter

Melt the butter and peanut butter together. Stir in graham cracker crumbs and sugar until well blended. Spread peanut butter mixture in 9 x 13" pan. Melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together and stir until well blended. Spread chocolate mixture on top of peanut butter mixture. Refrigerate for at least one hour.