what's for dinner...??

as i've been cooking (and baking) more during these past few years, i've realized how beneficial it is.
it is definitely an outlet for me.
my brain does not wander while i'm making the dishes; i have to focus very hard because it does not come as easily to me as other acts do. the measuring, and mixing, and stirring, and molding, and timing...to a "perfectionist," (i use quotations because it only applies to certain things...most things though,) i need to pay close attention during each step to ensure a perfect outcome.
i've kind of had a rough past few days (which i will spare you the details on because i want this blog to be strictly positively-driven and ever-encouraging.)...today making these haystacks, and then helping my mom with the potato soup for my family, really served as a type of coping mechanism that i was really thankful for and really needed.
it took my mind off everything, and it also actually made me feel good after finishing; it turned my day around. i felt accomplished. and productive. and i always like to see smiles on my family's faces when they see what i made and enjoy eating it. it's comparable to serving, in a way, actually.

these haystacks are a fun little treat during the fall; i had them at many a halloween party growing up. and they are especially easy...which is great for you college-kids. ;)

Haystacks!!
(made about 18 stacks; depending on how large you mold them.)

this recipe calls for:
-1 (12 oz) bag of chow mein
-2 (11 oz) bags of whatever chips ya like...be it butterscotch, peanut butter, or chocolate. (i made three different batches, so i could do all three.)

directions:
-melt chips, one bag at a time, in microwave...stirring at 30 second intervals until fully melted.
-pour over chow mein.
-mix, however you can to try not to break/crush the noodles.
-form into "haystack" clumps.
-let sit and dry on wax/contact paper. (or can be chilled in refrigerator to speed up process.)