Ya know…sometimes it’s just best to keep it simple.
It’s been a rough two weeks for us. Raya has been sick with Croup and RSV and my Grandma passed away. A grandma that has been present in our lives since we were born. Someone that means a lot to our family and someone we love very, very much.
I usually don’t talk about this stuff, but there’s a point to it all, I promise, then I’ll get back to the witty stuff.
Through all of this I was still trying to keep up with everything – recipe testing, trying to stay inspired, looking a social media, getting up early, clean the house, grocery shop and cook dinner when I really should have been doing Pilates and watching Gilmore Girls.
This may not seem that daunting but with a very sick child and a broken heart, it really weighed on me. Like, I have a permanent knot in my right shoulder blade type of weight. My sister was showing me yoga stretches over the weekend, my husband has been cracking my back every night and my mom gave me three massages over the weekend…it’s STILL there. Go away stress…nobody likes you!
Anyway, I had a ton of failed recipe attempts which only made matters worse…it’s really frustrating when something doesn’t turn out the third time you try. I kept trying to create these recipes that I wasn’t really all that excited about…and they were just failing…hard.
I finally gave up and decided to go a more comfortable route…which by the way…isn’t always good either because I do like to challenge myself, but because of my stress level, I stopped. I stopped and decided to make something I am more comfortable and would enjoy eating….like Chocolate Chip Pretzel Cookie Bars!!
They are SO amazing. Crunchy, salty, sweet and chewy. One bowl, no mixer needed…EASY!
Chocolate Chip Cookies are my faaaav, and I wanted to bring something back to Iowa that my family could munch on. We all know that sweets help us heal…or make us feel good for the time being then crappy later…but whatever, I wanted to bring something and these were it.
They came out perfect the first time I made them. They were exactly what I needed during this emotional time in my life.
I guess what I’m saying is…take a break. Do what feels right and good and don’t push yourself when you’re not supposed to be pushed. There are too many outside pressures and it’s not healthy. I mean…who cares if I don’t get Irish cream cupcakes up on the blog for St. Patrick’s Day…so sorry, but we just didn’t like them. I have another recipe idea for the green holiday that I think will be much better and easier so stay tuned!
Take time for yourself, take care of your family and don’t worry about all the pressures. I am definitely going to work on this more after these past two weeks…you won’t even believe it…I opened up a book last night and read 12 pages!! I haven’t read a book since I was commuting on a train 4 years ago so these 12 pages made me feel very good.
Alright, I’m done chatting. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoy the simple things.
These do not stress me out.
I would love to connect with you! You can find Stuck On Sweet on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest. Make sure to tag your recipes with #stuckonsweet! xoxo
Don’t forget to pin this recipe to Pinterest – just click the image below!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup dark brown sugar (light brown sugar works, too)
- 2 eggs plus 1 egg yolk, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chip
- 1 cup crushed pretzels (doesn't matter what shape)
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a 9x13 baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If using aluminum foil, spray with non-stick spray; set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla and whisk until smooth. Next, add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and stir with a spatula until almost combined. Lastly, stir in chocolate chips and pretzels.
- Pour into baking pan and bake for 25 - 30 minutes. Check at 25 minutes - it's okay if they still seem a little soft, once cooled they will firm up.
Thank you for the recipe! I love the idea of sweet & salty. The consistency of my bars turned out more like cake than bars… do you have any thoughts on why that would be? Do you think I overmixed them…
that is probably the reason. over-mixing cookie dough batter developed the gluten in the flour thus changing the texture. If you need to, hand mix!
Jessica – I’m so sorry for your loss. A Grandma can be such a special person in our lives. I’ve been dropping in to check your blog and recipes since before you were a Mommy. Love hearing what’s going on and love your recipes. I’m thinking I might just have to make the Chocolate Chip Pretzel Bars today!!! Take care of yourself.
Thank you so much Kathleen! That means a lot to me!
These look incredible! I cannot wait to try them. Thanks for the recipe. Sorry for your loss, too. Losing a family member is never easy. Prayers for you and your family.
Thank you so much Rebecca!