Still Life With Kitchen Ant

There has been a minor ant problem in my kitchen almost all winter. At first I just saw the occasional bug, so I did what I usually do: I talked to it and asked it to leave. The Army Dude was skeptical that this system would work and started suggesting I call the Big Blue Bug guys. I said "Dude. It's one ant. Isn't that kind of like bringing in an armored tank to hunt wabbits?" I thought the military simile would impress him, but no.


He was correct about my system not working, however. Pretty soon, I was seeing more of the little critters. I put out an ant trap which was soon known as the Ant Party Tent. The ants mocked me by hanging out under it.


I have resorted to killing the ants, which I hate to do. They seem to be confining their activities to the sink area, and there's only a few of them, so I'm trying not to get too freaked out about it. The Army Dude stopped commenting on the ants every time he came over once he learned that they are a problem throughout the town, so it's not due to substandard maintenance on my part. So that's something.

Cubism: The Last Supper

This is my Cubist interpretation of The Last Supper, depicting the pathos of man's inhumanity to man. Also, the little known fact that eggs were served.

Peanut Butter Swirl Bars (with Recipe!)

Now that, my friends, is art.

Apparently, everyone is onto the fact that I post pictures instead of drawings when I'm tired. Guilty as charged -- most of the time. Right now, Christmas cookie prep is in full swing, and I am indeed tired this morning.

However, gentle readers, I want to show you the art I made yesterday without picking up a sharpie. Behold the beauty and yumminess of Peanut Butter Swirl Bars. Also, because you are all awesome, I am going to give you the recipe. It was created by Char Nix of Tustin, MI, and I dearly wish to meet her someday because I have a feeling she has a few more delicious recipes up her sleeve. The recipe was published in Gooseberry Patch Christmas Cookies (a cookbook I highly recommend).

Peanut Butter Swirl Bars

1/2 c. creamy peanut butter

1/3 c. butter, at room temperature

3/4 c. sugar

3/4 c. brown sugar

2 eggs

2 tsps. vanilla extract

1 c. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

12-oz. package semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven of 350 degrees F. Blend together peanut butter, butter, and sugars with electric mixer until creamy; add eggs and vanilla and mix until blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder; with the mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients in batches until incorporated. Spread in a greased 13"x 9" x2" baking pan; top with chocolate chips. Bake for 5 minutes. Remove from oven; run a knife throught the batter and chocolate to marbleize. Return to oven for an additional 25-30 minutes. Cool in the pan on a wire rack, then cut into bars.

I cut this batch in squares which were then carefully wrapped and frozen. But feel free to nom yours as soon as they cool.

Still Life With Dancing Cookies

Mondrian with Hamburger