Sunday, February 10, 2013

Angry Birds Snacks

Last weekend, at age 36, I went to my first ever Super Bowl party. I may not have known who would be playing until just hours before the event, but I knew that I was going to be indulging in some serious party food with friends. And I didn't want to come empty-handed.

Now, I'm not known for my skill in the kitchen. In fact, I can honestly say I don't think anyone has ever asked me to make one of my creative kitchen confections a second time. Really. I can't imagine why I thought Pepsi and chicken belonged together in a casserole. Don't get me wrong. I can follow a recipe. But, there just aren't "Val Originals" that I could call a masterpiece...or even a success.

So, instead of trying to impress anyone at this party, I stuck with something I knew I could do. I melted chocolate and dipped away. You know, the almond bark for dipping pretzels at Christmas. I couldn't mess this up. Nothing creative. Chocolate-covered strawberries and peanut butter Ritz cracker sandwiches dipped in chocolate. Tasty and easy, and my friends will never know how fortunate they are that I didn't try to unleash my culinary creativity.

My contributions went over well if I do say so myself. But, let's not forget - they were dipped in chocolate. Why should I be surprised that I came home with a nearly empty plate?

What I hadn't counted on was having leftover almond bark to come back home to. It had hardened in the bowl after dipping all my goodies. It called to me from the counter all week long. I couldn't get rid of it...it was CHOCOLATE! It looked so good, but what could I do with it? Could it still be used? What tiny objects could I dip with this leftover goodness?

I checked the cabinets. Honey Maid Angry Birds Grahams! They were perfect.

I warmed up the hardened almond bark in the microwave.

- One minute.

- Stir.

- 30 more seconds.

- Stir.

- Dip birds.

- Lay flat on parchment paper.

So cute!

I just might get a Betty Crocker award for this one. Right?

If only I had thought of these for the Super Bowl party.

Val's Tunes


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