Focus

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There's a story I will eventually tell. It's the story of a New York-born North Dakotan waking up one day and realizing that despite being part of a military family, it was time to leave the Republican Party behind.

But not now. We've all heard way too much about this election to bother with details and history from other elections.

There's a story I will eventually tell. It's the story of the moment when I looked into my oldest daughter's eyes and realized how significant it is for her that a woman could become the President of the United States. I hadn't considered the significance of it myself because I've always assumed it was just a matter of time, but the look in Alexis' eyes. Oof. This whole thing means so much to our little girls.

But not now. We've all heard way too much about that candidate to bother with details and facts and just how much sexism has played a part in this election.

There's a story I will eventually tell. It's the story of the moment that I realized that the answer to many of life's moral dilemmas was to solve the real problem, not enforce legislation. Supporting one another is how we protect one another.

But not now. We've all heard way too much about how the world must be black and white and we have to be morally bankrupt to suggest that gray might be the best path forward. We're not ready to talk about the gray.

Tomorrow I'm going to write another chapter in the book that is this life. I'm going to do it because it's the best thing for my girls. I'm going to do it because it's the best thing for me. I'm going to do it because it's the right thing to do morally and intellectually.

Let's go ladies. Let's get in formation.

Sweet and Salty Caramel Corn

Sometimes I try things so you don't have to. Remember when I told you candy corn makes amazing caramel corn?

I stand by that statement. It's still very true. But, there's this stuff at all the stores this year that's Pumpkin Spice flavored candy corn.

STAY AWAY FROM IT. EVEN IF IT'S 90% OFF. 10% of awful is still awful and that stuff doesn't work on it's own or as a candied coating for popcorn.

But!

This works. Really well.

Caramel corn. Chocolate covered pretzels. Chocolate covered potato chips. M&Ms. TOGETHER!

I'm kind of a genius sometimes. Just ask Mila.

Sweet and Salty Caramel Corn

8 quarts popcorn
1 cup butter
1/2 cup light corn syrup
2 cups lightly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 bag milk chocolate chips
1 cup pretzel sticks
2 cups potato chips
1 cup Plain M&Ms

1. Place the popcorn in a large heat safe bowl. (I had to use two bowls since I still don't have one large enough to hold 8 quarts of popcorn.)

2. Combine the butter, corn syrup, brown sugar, and salt in a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and allow to boil for about five minutes.

3. Remove the pan from the heat and add the baking soda. Stir quickly to combine and immediately pour over the popcorn.

4. Stir, toss, stir, and toss until the popcorn is evenly coated.

5. Pour the caramel corn into a large oven-safe pan and spread it out.

6. Bake at 200 degrees for one hour, stirring occasionally to break up any large clumps.

7. Spread the pretzels and potato chips on a few cookie sheets.

8. Place the chocolate in a frosting bag and melt it.

9. Drizzle chocolate all over the salty goodness.

10. Allow everything to cool until the caramel and chocolate are hardened.

11. Throw everything together and mix it up.