Crystal Clear

What FUN!

 

    Farrell's is BACK! What fun memories I have of eating at Farrell's in the Christown Mall in Phoenix back in the 70s. I loved ice cream then and of courseI love it now. Somewhere I am certain I have a ribbon proudly announcing "I made a pig of myself at Farrell's" by eating  Pig's Trough which is comprised of 2 bannana splits.

    It wasn't just about the ice cream at Farrell's though. It was about  loud sirens, clanging bells, the drum, the staff in their straw hats and black and white outfits, humorous statements on the menu such as "No matter how long it takes, our service is always fast", and of course the birthday parties with the "Zoo".

    Although I was in my 20s, I remember being sad and confused when the Farrell's closed down. I am excited to share the Farrell's experience with my boys and am betting they will enjoy it as much as I did. Memories to come...unfortunately now I am the one who has to worry about those calories from the ice cream!

Let's Have a Cuppa Java

Been messing around with my sidebars adding some bling and thought I'd throw this out there for my readers...If you enjoy my blog how about treating me to a Starbuck's Mocha while I blog. The link is on the left side..If there is something you want me to blog about, just note it! Crystal Clear a link to your blog is included ...and my treat next time you are in Hawaii!

Live Healthy Like A Neanderthal! (GC Jimmie)

It's no big secret that most of us could stand to live a more healthy lifestyle. But, if you ask our government, we should emulate the cavemen. Apparently, they had it pretty good.

WASHINGTON Jan 12, 2005 — Cave men lived a healthy lifestyle: Their calorie intake stayed low because food was hard to find, and they exercised regularly to bring home the bacon. The government wants Americans to follow that approach. Today, however, food is at their fingertips, driving has replaced running and people are fatter than ever.

Hmm...I'm guessing that our government might have forgotten about the part of caveman history that involved much shorter lifespans due to disease, getting conked on the head by the chap in the next cave over, or some of that "hard to find" food that tended to have sharp fangs and horns and claws and resisted the caveman's attempt to make them into food. Oh yeah, and there was that whole lack of refrigeration problem that meant that sometimes you are rancid food or picked up a little trichinosis or botulism. And the lack of soap, or even regular bathing.

So aside from all that, then sure, the cavemen lived a really healthy lifestyle. Let's all emulate them right now!

(cross-posted to The Sundries Shack)

Grab a Cup of Coffee Too

Marbled-Chocolate Banana Bread

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups mashed ripe banana (about 3 bananas)
2 large eggs or 1/2 cup egg substitute
1/3 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Combine flours, baking soda, and salt, stirring with a whisk.

3. Place sugar and butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended (about 1 minute). Add banana, eggs, and yogurt; beat until blended. Add flour mixture; beat at low speed just until moist.

4. Place chocolate chips in a medium microwave-safe bowl, and microwave on HIGH for 1 minute. Stir until smooth. Cool for a few seconds. Add 1 cup of batter to chocolate, stirring until well-combined. Spoon chocolate batter alternately with plain batter into a 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray. Swirl batters together with a knife. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 5 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool ten minutes in the pan on a wire wrack, remove from pan and cool completely.