I am not one of those eternal, vomit inducing optimists, but I DO believe all things are possible. Every problem has a solution.  Every question has an answer.  Whether we, as humans, have the capacity, guidance, and sometimes willingness, to find them determines the outcome of the situation.  Where in the world am I going with this?  Well, if you’ve read my mini-blurb about myself, you know I’m a stay at home Mom.  This is part of that story….

Before my son was born, my husband and I chatted about homeschooling, more as a novelty than a reality.  I had every intention of returning to work.  After all, our income restrictions mandated it…or so we thought.  Differing little from most mothers, the first time I saw my son I knew I could never leave his side.  In his 6 years, he has  never left me for more than a few days to stay with my mother, his wonderful Grammy.  And without a doubt, that is also why it took much longer to confirm his peanut allergy.  It was while visiting her that a vague notion became very real.  Since that event nearly three years ago, all of our lives changed.  The prospect of preschool and my return to work were throttled.  Because, while I never wanted to leave his side, I wanted a *normal* life for him.   Believe me, I mourned that impending change like nothing you can imagine!  However, since his *event*, we’ve learned more about the severity of his allergy and that if he were simply breathed on by someone who had eaten peanuts/pb, he may have a life threatening reaction.  Sobering.  Frightening.  MY son.  So with that, my husband and I agreed (as any parents would) that we would do *whatever it takes* to keep him safe.  Homeschooling was our only option, as no school was/is willing to be peanut free.  Even if they agreed to make that change, there is nothing they can do about what is eaten for breakfast.  It is also beyond the scope of expectation.  And so, we are now knee deep in our foray into homeschooling and home based existence.  Do I make it sound daunting?  Hah!   Hardly.  From a mother’s standpoint, there is no greater joy than to be able to call my children into the room simply for a hug, to see their beautiful faces, to bake cookies, read to them, oh, and did I mention? Just BE THERE.  Since all of these changes took place before my daughter showed up, she didn’t experience the shift in perspective that we did.  She just reaps the benefits.  For that, I am also grateful, as things are much simpler and more defined than they were just a few short years ago.  Keep in mind that I said nothing about perfection or ease.  It is, by no means, easy or perfect.  It is our life, though, and the long and short of it is that it would not be possible without our dedication and commitment to it.  In that vein, there can be no discussion about dedication and commitment without mention of my husband.  My wonderful husband, whom I’ve known since my youth, has transformed from an already wonderful man into the most respectable of men.  He is our champion, hero, provider, problem solver, Magic 8 Ball, and sometimes just Dad.  For us, Father’s Day is a time for us to acknowledge the gift that he is and be grateful for his many daily sacrifices.  I have such great respect for him, his tireless dedication, boundless love and commitment to his family.  I cannot imagine my life without him.  Period.

This is perhaps the ONLY time I’ll ever mention him here.  After all, he will tell you that this blog is MINE, for ME, about ME and what I do.  It isn’t.  Without HIM, I wouldn’t be here.  Right now. Doing this.  Doing what I do every day – What. I. love.

So there, that’s what I think about my guy and this day – shorter rather than long, because I can truly go on forever.  And now, one of my hubby’s (and buddy boy’s)  favorite nut free recipes that I’m making for him today.

Chocolate Covered Brownie Bites
1/2 cup + 2 tbsp unsalted butter (1 stick + 2tbl)
5oz semisweet chocolate – I use Hershey’s semi-sweet chips because they melt more evenly.  You can use Baker’s, if you have it.
2/3 cup flour
1 & 1/2 tbsp Hershey’s Cocoa
1/4 tsp Salt
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup light brown sugar
3 large eggs
2 & 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate Coating
Remaining chips from Hershey’s bag
1 tbsp Crisco

Preheat oven to 350.  Grease then line an 8 inch square baking pan with foil, leaving overhang to pick up.  Spray foil with non-stick cooking spray.

In a large microwavable bowl, heat butter and chocolate for one minute depending on how spastic your microwave is.  If you know it will melt sooner, use less time.  FYI: I don’t allow the chips to melt completely.  I semi-melt them and stir until they melt completely.  Add sugar and brown sugar and mix until well combined.  Add eggs and vanilla and stir until sugar is smooth and not granular.  Stir in flour until just mixed.  Add additional chips if you’d like – 1/4-1/2 cup.  Pour batter into the pan and allow to bake for about 30 minutes until the center is set when toothpick comes out clean.  When they’re done, I allow them to cool then pop them in the fridge for an hour or so.  Lift them out using the foil handles onto a cutting board and cut off the edges.  I crumble and save that to use for brownie sundaes.  Now, you can do the next step one of two ways – use a melon baller to carve out brownie balls or you can use a knife to cut one inch squares.   Place them on a cooling rack with wax paper lined beneath the rack.

Place the chips and Crisco in a small bowl, then heat in the microwave at 30 second intervals until melted and stir until smooth.  Dip the tops of the brownie bites into the chocolate and place onto the rack to set.  You can dust them with cocoa if you like.  I don’t.  Blech.

These will keep in a covered container in the fridge for about 5 days.  They also freeze well too!  That’s what I do with my sundae topping.    Yield: around 50.