Spicy Snack Crackers to Kick Off Beat Michigan Week!!

I have a quick and simple snack to start off the biggest week of the year...

Beat Michigan Week...

Or for those who don't live in Ohio or Michigan

or live under a rock..

or is my mother...

It is the week leading up to the big Ohio State Michigan Game.

Which we will win...

So, to kick off this week I made these spicy crackers.

Perfect to snack on while watching the big game. 

These crackers would also be an easy snack to serve on Thanksgiving 

before the Turkey makes its appearance.  

So who is going to be watching the game?

Invite me over and I just may bring these yummies to share!

Enjoy!!!

Go Bucks!!

O-H....

Marci

Spicy Snack Crackers:

1 box of Cheese-its
1 box of Mini club crackers
1 packet of ranch dressing mix- powder
1 packet of zesty Italian dressing mix- powder
3/4 to scant full cup of vegetable oil
2-3 teaspoons of red pepper flakes

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

In a large bowl combine all the ingredients- mixing well with hands or spoon to ensure all sides of the crackers are well coated with oil and spices.  I added about 2.5 teaspoons of red pepper flakes to my mix, but if you do not like heat you may want to start with one teaspoon.  I started with 3/4 cup of oil but added a bit more to make sure all the crackers were coated well.

Spread the coated crackers in a rimmed baking pan and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the crackers halfway through.   

Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.  

Random Things

I am writing this as a storm is passing through.  

A very bad storm.

The kind that makes you say things like...

There is no place like home...

There is no place like home...

There is no place like home....

Only minus the sparkly shoes and plus one sock with a hole in it...

I thought about hiding in the basement..

Sirens tend to do that..

But, when I saw the giant spider web collecting in the corner of the laundry room.

I changed my mind.

I realized a few things these past few weeks.

I have been a little bit stressed...

No, a lot stressed.

So stressed... that I have stopped baking..

Wait!  That's right.

There is a baking- stress threshold.

Usually, baking is a stress reliever....

Unless..

You are so stressed that all you can do is come home..

wash your face, brush your teeth.

and fall into bed...

and even with ten hours of sleep..

you wake up feeling like you had three...

But, I hope the end is in sight..

If not..

I am going to need cookie reinforcements...

Pronto..

So instead of lovely baked goods...

I am bringing you smiles.

Cause everyone needs smiles.

Cat logic is so true... 

I have most definitely not been keeping up on my veggies...

Surely string cheese and pretzels count as a healthy dinner somewhere....

Butter... enough said.

I need this chair.

Because my couch told me it needs a break.

I hope it doesn't want to break up with me...

I might cry..

and then buy this chair....

And lastly, I need this....

Not sure why since I just admitted eating string cheese and pretzels for dinner..

But, surely if I had this all would be better....

Smiles and have a great week everyone!

Marci

Walking not running....

I bet you all have been wondering where I have been..

I have not been on vacation.

I have not been baking tons of yumminess....

I have not been cleaning my house.. ahem...

I have not been working on world peace....

unless you count my job..

which feels like I am trying to achieve world peace... at times...

But, a couple of weeks ago..

I did complete a goal of mine.  

Just a tiny one.

I completed a half marathon.

Walking not running.. of course.

It was a pretty amazing experience.

But, I can't say I felt that immediately after the race.

I just felt like not moving.

another step. ever.

I am so very glad I did do it.

And I am glad I did it with an amazing couple of gals.

We finished. together.  

We all participated in the Columbus Half Marathon.  

Which benefits Nationwide Children's Hospital.

At each mile marker in the race- a child and their family cheered the racers along.

But, truly they were the champions as all were facing or had faced a tough medical journey.  

It was my first time going to a marathon expo...

I couldn't believe the shopping.

shoes, shirts, gel stuff (fuel) and amazing things that can help you run (or walk) better.

We all were thinking this at one point...

A few of the goodies I picked up that day.  

And yes- that is King's Hawaiian bread.

They had a booth there and I hit the jackpot in free coupons.

Bread = Carbs... right?

Race map.

Carb Loading....

Very cool pants I need to own..

They have sneaky pockets in the back of the legs where you hide snacks...

like cookies..

or little debbies...

Me... pre-race

And we are off....

And the finish line!!!

We did it!!

The proof is in the medal...or is it pudding....?

I think my next step..

Which probably should have been my first step...

Is to complete a 5k... running...

not walking....

ok...

not running...

jogging...

HappY MondaY everyone!!!

Marci