Check Your Batteries!

We live next door to a seemingly nice family.  I say that because they rarely leave their house and the kids don't just play outside, and the dad only leaves to go to work and come home.  I never seem to catch them when they are outside, but when after 4 days what I am certain was their smoke alarm beeping saying the battery was dying it started to drive me crazy.  I could hear it in my kitchen with the windows closed and running our super loud dishwasher!  I don't know how people can live with that constant every 30 seconds beeping!  I would lose my mind after 4 minutes, not 4 days!  Now, this is the kind of neighbor we aren't exactly friendly with, they keep to themselves and I don't want to seem like that nosy neighbor so I left well enough alone thinking the problem would eventually solve itself.  It didn't.  So, I took matters into my own hands.  I stuck this note in an envelope in their mailbox.  The next morning the beeping stopped.

This did however remind me that it is the time of year to check all my smoke alarm batteries and carbon monoxide detectors as well.  Have you checked yours?  If you don't, you might end up with this note in your mailbox too! ;)

Peanut Chocolate Crisps

Recipe time! No bake too!

I have recently had some terrible luck with recipes I have found online. Some tasted horrible and some looked nothing like the pictures.  I was feeling very discouraged so it was time to go back to one of my tried and true faves; Peanut Chocolate Crisps!  I'm not sure where I got this recipe but I know I have changed it up from the original version I started with years ago.  Here is the recipe as it stands right now. Enjoy!

Peanut Chocolate Crisps

1/2 c. margarine
1 c. Semi-sweet chocolate chips
2/3 c. Kraft smooth peanut butter
1 bag (aprox. 40) large marshmallows
1 c. Roasted unsalted peanuts (halved)
6 c. Rice krispies cereal

Melt margarine, peanut butter and marshmallows in a pot over medium heat stirring continually.  When marshmallows are almost completely melted, add the chocolate chips and stir until they are melted.  Add the peanuts and rice krispies and stir until well blended.  Press into a greased 9x13 pan.  Let set until cool before cutting.  I suggest fairly small pieces as it is pretty rich.

If you wish you can coat them with a icing of sorts, I like using a mix of 1 c. Semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 tbsp. Peanut butter melted and spread over the top. It will remain soft enough to cut through without dripping all over.