Peanut Butter Jelly Time

Did you know that my nickname has always been Peanut? 

How have I not told you this until now?

My mom said that when I was born I reminded her of a lil' peanut. History was written. I respond faster to Peanut (or "Pea") than I do my own name. So much so that coworkers even call me that. Then, one day a client even did! And I loved it.

Fast forward twenty some odd years later to when I got a job at a bank. My coworker, Anne, was a seasoned banker & took me under her wing.

(With another coworker of ours, we were a trio & liked to call ourselves "Peanut Butter & Jelly." But I digress.)

One day early on she was telling me how much money I could have out on the floor (as in, in my locked drawers) & I was responded with "Oh, I don't think I'd feel comfortable with that much money out." She sweetly giggled* & said "Well then you don't have to keep it out here, love."

That memory built the foundation of our friendship. She was then & remains to be such a nurturing voice. To know her is to feel like you're home. We haven't lived near each other for some time now but we've never left each other's side. And that is what family does.

(*Note: I hope you have a friend whose delightfully great laugh can make you happy. Anne is that for me!)

Now, let me tell you another story. 

Last year, the blogger behind In Jennie's Kitchen lost her husband suddenly. There was an outpouring of love that spilled over every circuit of the web. In response to those who asked what they could do she posted this:

-     "As I spend Friday reflecting on the love and life that was gone in an instant, I'd like to invite all of you to celebrate his life too. Mikey loved peanut butter cream pie. I haven't made it in a while, and I've had it on my to-do list for a while now. I kept telling myself I would make it for him tomorrow. 

        Time has suddenly stood still, though, and I'm waiting to wake up and learn to live a new kind of normal. For those asking what they can do to help my healing process, make a peanut butter pie this Friday and share it with someone you love. Then hug them like there's no tomorrow because today is the only guarantee we can count on."

Recognize This Peanut Butter Pie?

Anne, my sister in spirit gave me this recipe. Annnnnd since today is her birthday you could celebrate it with her by making this pie for those that you love!

Peanut Butter Pie, (Recipe bestowed upon me from the birthday girl!)
Ingredients:
Ready made chocolate pie crust
3 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
½ cup peanut butter
½ cup milk
8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
About 16 Mini Reese's Cups, chopped up
Chocolate Syrup (optional- I didn't have any when I made this pie)

Here are some tunes to sway to as you feel the love.

Directions:
1. Cut up 12 Reese's into bite size pieces & sprinkle in the bottom of the crust.
2. Combine the cream cheese & powdered sugar in a bowl. Mix well.
3. Mix in the peanut butter, milk, & Cool Whip. Mix, mix, mix.
4. Pour into the pie crust & smooth out. Place more cut up Reese's & a chocolate syrup drizzle on top.
5. Freeze for several hours or overnight*! (Keep frozen.)

*I find it best to make it before bed to avoid eyeing your freezer all day wondering "Is it ready now? How about now? Should I cut into it to test it? Oh my gosh, I want PIEEEE!"

Do yourself a favor, take ten minutes before bed to make it, lick the spatula (& every square inch of the bowl if you know what's good for you) then have peanutty dreams of having pie for breakfast!

Then make those dreams a reality. What?? You're a grown up! You get to choose your breakfast foods.

Make it with love & slice into it knowing that "the love you take is equal to the love you make." If you have love to give (& trust me, you do) then you know what you have to do!



On this Monday & always, have a great day/birthday on purpose!! (Celebrate that all the Easter candy is on sale now!)