From debt to freedom...

Cherryfudge

I thought that too... wondered if you might share the recipe pretty please? I had a quick look but I don't think there's a link to it.

Mumoffourkids

Definitely every little bit paid to the debt helps. That's how I was able to pay off two small debts in the first two months of this year. Just by paying small bits when I had either made more money or saved money.

You inspired me to start baking snacks again but they aren't doing anything for my weight loss!

Honeysucklelou2

Of course!

Date bars

250 ml water
200g dates
175g plain flour
Half tsp of bicarbonate of soda
175g sugar ( the recipe says brown but granulated or caster is fine)
100g porridge oats
175g butter

20cm x 20 cm tin

Put water and dates into a saucepan and simmer until the dates are soft and sticky. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

Sift the flour and bicarbonate into a bowl. Add the sugar, oats and a pinch of salt. Add the butter rubbing in with the fingertips until clumps start to form. Press half of the mixture into the greased tin. Spread the cooked date mixture over this and top with the remainder of the flour/sugar/oat mixture. Press down gently to flatten it. Bake in the oven for about 40 minutes. Leave to cool before cutting into bars.

Cherryfudge

Thank you! I think I have dates wanting a home so I hope to try these soon.

Honeysucklelou2

It has been a beautiful day here. I did job related work for a couple of hours but just had to get outside. Thankfully I've got the first seeds of the year sown, mixed lettuce, a cherry tomato and antirrhinums. They are in the propogator indoors for the moment. I spent a fair amount of time cleaning up the garden which was quite a workout and kept me warm!

Not a lot of baking done today but as I was meeting up with friends this evening, I baked some vegan chocolate brownies. The consistency is certainly different to the brownies I usually make but the taste was ok...even better cold.

Honeysucklelou2

Forgot to add...I made a payment of £30 to the credit card. Another case of every little helps but I'm finding the the change in paydbx figure encouraging.

Spendless

I love how you look around your cupboards and create sweet treats from what you have in. :T

A few posts back you mentioned cutting down on the trips you make to pick up the teens. That's something I'm finding with my youngest (15 next month). I'll be glad of the light nights coming, when I'll say 'No, use your bus pass' . I think you've mentioned where you live is quite rural though? (unless I've mixed you up with someone else)

Honeysucklelou2

Yes we are very rural as in no buses past 5pm ish and not a huge number through the day. Driving is essential! Trying to cut back on trips is still ongoing. It is my 16 year old DS who doesn't quite have the understanding how his social plans affect the rest of us in terms of travel. My DD2 has passed her driving theory test and is about to resume driving lessons. I'm hoping she will pass her test by summer. It will certainly give her more independence and scope job wise.

Honeysucklelou2

It was an absolutely stunning day here today. We got out to the beach and discovered two little coves that I didn't even know existed ( despite living in the area for 20 years!) I usually go in one direction on this beach and have never gone in the other direction at low tide. It was well worth it. Children and dogs both loved exploring! As it is still winter, I could park without needing a pay and display car park and we took a snack from home so a NSD.

DD2 offered to cook Sunday roast ( hurray) and made a meringue roulade for dessert which we filled with frozen berries. Tins are somewhat full ( at the moment!) . Rock cakes, lemon and poppy seed cookies ( DD3) and double chic cookies (DS1). A positive day for engaging children in the kitchen!!!

Honeysucklelou2

Oops, that should read double choc cookies. All chicks accounted for!