Feel Good Friday #6

I wandered around the house wondering aloud what I should write about today. I can hear the sounds of the washing machine humming along. My house is filled with the scent of one of my favorite candles called Spice Market. There are three fur balls currently sitting on my feet. And my torn jeans are, um, snug. Really snug, which is ironic given that I’m about to share a recipe for Apple Butterscotch Bars.

Sometimes I wonder if we ever really have time to get it all done. If we ever really feel balanced. If we feel bold enough to live the life we’ve imagined. I’m beginning to understand it’s not about getting it all done, it’s about making the things you truly want to invest your time in a priority.

I was standing at the folding station in the laundry room folding clothes. My mind was racing as I thought about my daily to do list. Then I caught a glimpse of the chalkboard. I originally had intended to make it a running list for groceries. But I put up my goals for 2014 and never took them down.

*Renew Commitments

*Restore Balance

*Recapture Simple Pleasures

I’ve looked at this list off and on all year. Sometimes, I step back and think, “Wow that is seriously lofty.” Other times I look at it and say, “You’re right on track.” Either way, having visible goals has made a huge difference in the way I conduct myself and invest my time and talents.

There are officially ten Friday’s until the end of the year, including today, if my math is correct. I know the next few months are going to be this crazy mix of organized chaos and pure joy. As this holiday season begins, it would be so easy to put things off until next year. But it’s never too late to focus on your goals and revitalize your priorities. I hope you enjoy these sweet treats like I did, snug jeans and all.

Apple Butterscotch Bars**

½ cup melted butter

2 cups brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp kosher salt

2 cups diced apples (I used honey crisp apples for this recipe)

1 cup chopped walnuts

1/3 cup ready made granola (I used Cascadian Farms oat and honey granola for this recipe)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Grease 9 x 13 inch baking dish (I used Bake Easy non stick spray for this recipe)

Combine melted butter, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla in a bowl.

After fully incorporated, add diced apples. I use a stand mixer on low speed until apples are mix completely together with wet ingredients.

In a separate bowl, combine four, baking powder, salt. Whisk dry ingredients together.

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients ¼ cup at a time on low speed until wet and dry ingredients have been mixed thoroughly.

Spread in grease baking pan.

Top with walnuts and granola.

Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes.

Set baking dish on baking rack and allow to cool.

Cut in bars and serve.

**I adapted this recipe from Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook circa 1971.

Many blessings for a priority filled weekend,

CoCo