Kayakas!

Tis the season… to get into financial trouble. With all of the gift giving and the mania of getting great deals, going overboard is almost a given part of the Christmas season. How many times do folks run up credit card bills that will take an entire year to pay back?

The easiest way to avoid this trap to start with a list. Make a list of everyone for whom you will be buying gifts this year. Take a good look at the list and see if there is anyone that could be eliminated. Don’t be a Scrooge, but look at the list objectively. Maybe a card will do. Perhaps your extended family would be willing to draw names this year instead of giving individually?

Once you have “the list”,

Like anything else.. you gotta stay with it. . Stick to your budget. if you unexpectedly find the perfect present for someone that is less than what you budgeted, consider yourself lucky and bank the difference. Don’t be tempted to spend the extra somewhere else.

Hmmm.. now what you say..Okay, I’ll give a toaster to someone

Gifts You Can Make

- Fill a portable ice chest with “from scratch” frozen dinners, e.g.,

- Collect a roll of postage stamps, note cards (you find great ones

- Create gift baskets for people who are passionate about certain

Bought Gifts:

- Subscription to a magazine on a topic of interest but not related

And especially at this time of year,

So last but not least… the gift of Your time. You’re only limited by your imagination.

And some fuel for your list making

PB& J Bars

1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
2 c. creamy peanut butter
3 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
18 oz. jam
2/3 c. salted peanuts, coarsely chopped (optional)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9 X 13-inch cake pan.

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed about 2 minutes. With the mixer on low speed, add the vanilla, eggs, and peanut butter and mix until all ingredients are combined.

In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture. Mix just until combined.

Spread 2/3 of the dough into the prepared cake pan and spread over the bottom with a knife

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