New Year Thoughts and Bacon Lovers Treats...

Today has started off really well and I have a lot to get done, but when I sit down tonight it is going to feel good! The illustrator and I walked today. It was cold, but it felt incredible! We haven't been on a morning walk in months and even though it was 39 degrees out, the fresh air was just what I needed. Thank you to my in-laws for my new tennis shoes!  They put a new bounce in my step and make my feet feel like I am walking on air!

Everyone in the blog world is talking about the new year...all I can say is I am ready for a new beginning. We are looking for some simplifications in life and being more self sufficient. This year is going to be about  really getting to where we want to be ultimately. We were young when we got married, young when we had kids and while we are still young, we have started to really talk about our ultimate goals in life. You know the question about "where you see yourself in 5 years", well we have asked that of ourselves. We will see what this year brings, but I think there will be a lot of change for our group!

As far as food goes, we have changed a lot around here and I am loving it! We have all learned to accept the hands we were dealt with food allergies/intolerances. We have also learned to love some new things along the way. The boys are eating crazy things like beans and vegetables...I know crazy! I want to garden this year. The illustrator and I have talked about eating more seasonally too. This year is going to be spent learning about our environment and using it to our advantage!

Now, food! This was actually something I made when we had a get together with friends before Christmas. The pictures are horrible since there was no light, but I wanted to share anyway in case you are looking for some quick tasty snacks for get togethers  later today or tomorrow. The time kind of slipped by me these past couple of weeks and when Jessica posted something on bacon grease yesterday and it reminded me of the Candied Bacon Popcorn I made.

Of all the food that was made that day, this was the one thing that got the most attention.  I used my quickie caramel popcorn recipe with the addition of bacon grease for the caramel and bacon bits mixed in. While this is not something I would encourage you to eat everyday, I think it was a fun twist for a fun occasion! You could also use vegan bacon, but I sadly can't have that.

Candied Bacon Popcorn

10 cups air popped popcorn

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup maple syrup

2 TBSP bacon grease (or Smart Balance Light)

1 tsp salt

1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil sprayed with cooking spray.

In a small pot over medium heat, add sugars, syrup, bacon grease and salt stirring occasionally until it comes to a boil. Allow to boil for 2 minutes without stirring. When the sugar mixture is done boiling, add the crumbled bacon and pour the caramel mixture evenly over the popcorn and stir to coat. Pour the popcorn mixture in the prepared pan and lay in a single layer. Bake for 15 minutes. 

Another bacon creation the illustrator made was Bacon Deviled Eggs. His mixture had a little mayo, chopped egg yolks, stone ground mustard, sauteed onions, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, salt and pepper. The man loves his bacon!

Are you a bacon lover or not? Even vegan bacon...do you like the flavor?

Any thoughts on the new year?