Treats for Portlandia

Greg decided we were going to have a party for Jen’s b-day. Feb 9th. It was going to be a Portlandia theme party. If you do not know what Portlandia is, it is a show that does short skits about: all things Portland. I do not watch the show. I had to watch a bunch of the skits to actually prepare for the party!

I had asked Jen what kind of cake she liked. I do not normally take requests but I have only known her a short time. I needed ideas. She said she liked “fruity” stuff. Dang. That is definitely not my specialty. I love fruit. I love dessert. I just do not like them together. I brainstormed fruity ideas with a friend and he said they were real messy. Dang! She did mention peanut butter and jelly. That I could do.

Yesterday was a BIG day. I got up early 8. I got 10 hours of sleep. I needed it. All my “spin”ster friends were ditching me so I could do my spin whenever. I ate a breakfast sandwich knowing I had a ride to prepare for. Then I got busy baking.

I decided not to make a cake. You need plates and forks for a cake. I decided some bars would be perfect. Make them into bite size squares and you would not even need a napkin! PERFECT!

First up: was Peanut Butter & Jelly Bars. I used this recipe from Cookies and Cups. This blog is usually my go-to for treats.

Jen had a sneak bite before the party started. She said they were amazing. They were a huge hit at the party. EVERYONE LOVED THEM! I was so excited. I actually got extra hugs when people found out that I made them!

These were polished off BEFORE the brownies.

Secondly: was Sweet and Salty Brownies. These also came from Cookies and Cups. Another something I do not do is salty. It is funny cause I am an endurance athlete but I hate salt. I just do not like the taste. I know. I know. Call me crazy. I guess I will never have to worry about my blood pressure! Anywho…This recipe looked interesting and I wanted to do something chocolate in addition to the PB & J bars.

Both recipes were both pretty demanding. Multiple steps. Multiple uses of the Kitchen Aid. It is a major problem not having a dishwasher right now.

It was a rough morning in the kitchen. But well worth it!!

Can you see the finishing salt on them? I am sure I have never used finishing salt before. My friend told me about this great shop, The Meadow, that had a variety of salts, chocolate, wine, and flowers. I hit it up on friday. I couldn’t believe the variety of salt. Who knew?!

After a long morning in the kitchen baking and doing dishes. It was time. I had to go ride my bike trainer. For 2 hours. Aggg. I really wanted to relax help Greg and Jen with party prep. I dragged myself over to Jenny’s garage(where my bike is set up). I did an hour of warming up and some long aerobic intervals. The second hour was 1 legged drills, high rpms, low rpms…all the fun stuff in life on the bike. I finished up and it was not half as bad as I expected. I drank some chocolate milk to refuel and was on my way home to shower in no time.

Party Time:

All the references to Portlandia:

Portland “RECYCLES”

Greg, Jen, and I were the Sherlock Holmies. We played on the adult hide and seek league.

I took a poll at the party. Most people thought the show was funny and/or liked it. Some people had only seen the show a few times or not at all and did not really have an opinion. I think I was the only one that does not like the show. I think its stupid and way over the top.

“Being” Portlandia

The party was a success! All the food got eaten. All but 2 of the brownies got eaten. I will have those after my run today. (Remember they are bite-sized.) Hope everyone had a good weekend!

Anyone watch Portlandia? Do you have a favorite skit?

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