Not exactly NASCAR

We had some fun Friday night.  It wasn't a NASCAR race.  It was the Pine Wood Derby!  Eric loves the Pine Wood Derby.  Last year was a little bit disappointing for him.  His car did fine, but it didn't win.  Every kid wants to win, not just do fine.  This year was no exception.  It was his turn to race.  He excitedly put his car up on the track, they pulled the release lever and his car went about three feet and stopped.  I couldn't believe it and neither could Eric.  I could see the disappointment and the tears ready to fall. The weights on the bottom were dragging on the middle part of the track.   Dean wasn't able to be there so the very nice Brother Romero helped us take the weights off and move them to the top of the car.  They called him back up to race and his car did great.  So great that he ended up winning the derby.  He did in fact look like he had just won a NASCAR race.  He jumped around giving the boys high five.  It was awesome.  His prize for winning was a three layer cake with a chocolate car on top.  He was in heaven.  On the drive home he told me he is going to ask his scout leader if he can use the same car again next year.  Why mess with perfection?

Peanut-Chocolate Popcorn

Friday night is popcorn night at our house.  It never fails that around 9:00 Eric comes up the stairs and asks me to make a bowl for him.  I was thrilled to find a new popcorn recipe in Parenting magazines April issue.  It was delicious and easy.  Here's the recipe if you want to try it.

Peanut-Chocolate Popcorn

Serves 6-8

Arrange 8 cups popped kettle corn in a single layer on cookie sheet lined with waxed paper.  Place 1 cup milk chocolate chips in a glass bowl and microwave on high in 30 second increments until melted.

Drizzle chocolate over popcorn with a spoon.  Sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped honey-roasted peanuts and 1 cup Reese's Pieces over chocolate.  Chill, uncovered, in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.  Break into small pieces.  Store in an air tight container. 

I made a few substitutions. Instead of chocolate chips (because I didn't want to put it in the refrigerator) I used chocolate bark instead.  I didn't use honey roasted peanuts either because I don't like them.  I used regular salted peanuts.  It turned out yummy.  I buy the Popcorn, Indiana Kettle Corn in the red bag from Wal -Mart.  Eric and I love it.