I get by with a little help from my friends

My birthday was last week and I have to admit that it wouldn't have been any fun without my awesome friends that came out and helped celebrate. These crazy kids occasionally help me bake from time to time (help as in taste test/eat what I make.) But they aren't always available, so I have surrounded myself with "friends" to keep me company when I bake.

Meet my measuring cups and spoons. That's right. That is a goose cup and giraffe teaspoon. Aren't they oh so cute?!!!

The newest member of the team is Ralph, the alligator. He helps me do dishes by the sink. Ralph was a big help in making the cookies for this blog (seeing that no measuring needed to be done.) The cookies: Ritz Bark Cookies. Ever since their first appearance to my real live friends, there's been a hot demand for them. They were especially requested for my senior voice recital after being loved at my junior recital. Now that my school days are done, I usually make them around Christmas. I hope you enjoy them as much as everyone else does!

Ritz Bark Cookies (another gem from my mother's recipe book):
Ingredients needed:
Ritz Crackers
Peanut butter (creamy, not chunky)
Chocolate Bark (chocolate candy coating can be a substitute)

Melt chocolate bark in a double boiler. Spread a dab of peanut butter between two crackers and then coat with chocolate. Place on wax paper to cool.

Erika's Extras: Prep by making all the cracker and PB "sandwiches" first. Using two forks to move and flip the crackers around is quite helpful. Put in freezer to cool faster.

Bake Well and Prosper!