My Shoes Apparently Aren’t Made For Walking and Graham Cracker Lemon Bars

Thus far in the week, my husband and I haven’t gone on our evening trail walk at the local arboretum. This is odd for us with such warm weather and sunny skies. So what tore me away from my beloved trails? My big toe was “having issues” from the previous week/weekend when we went out 5 times after the long winter break. I don’t know why but it suddenly felt as if it were sprained and inflicting pain on my entire right foot. Almost every step was agonizing.

I blame my lack of decent walking shoes. I can’t afford to spend money on the correct style so I use my “athletic inspired” or my Adidas that are worn out. Greg and I think we should invest in the correct equipment if we perform something enough times to merit such things but otherwise we make due with what we have. We really can’t put our money in that direction right now.

I finally took a good look at my toe Friday night and noticed swelling. I ignored the pain (like usual) and walked Saturday another 5 miles. I guess that wasn’t such a good idea because this week there’s been discomfort with normal activities (walking, wearing socks, standing), even sleeping is difficult because I can’t place the toe under the covers without pressure. Then there’s Greg who forgot and flicked my toe the other night. He felt bad but not bad enough not to laugh. Significant others pffft! (That is not gas.)

We decided to let it rest for this week (it’s been hard not to go out and get my apartment workout in) but there hasn’t been much relief. Well, to allow healing and Greg is working at his company’s other location, closer to the Twin Cities, which means he comes home almost an hour later than usual.

I will not be resting this weekend and I’m prepared for more pain. I’m not one to sit still…except for part of my day when I’m posting and researching.

You might have noticed that I’ve been posting salads this week but don’t worry, I have something to negate the idea that I’ve been eating rather healthy for a week. I believe you should be able to have something “not as healthy” on your menu when you’ve accomplished a dietary goal and that’s where today’s recipe comes in: lemon bars from Pennies on a Platter that are made for the fridge. I made a few adjustments. Don’t go crazy though-watch those portions! This one is chock full of calories so make sure you have your pals around to help take them off of your hands. (Be brave, no tears-sharing is hard.) They will want to, trust me.

Lemon Bars with Graham Cracker Crust
Serves 8 to 12

Ingredients:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, crushed
1/3 cup sugar (I thought it was too sweet so I would reduce this to ¼ cup)
4 tbsp butter, melted
3 egg yolks
14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
½ cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 or 3 lemons)
1 cup whipped cream (see recipe below)

Preheat the oven to 325. In a bowl, combine the graham crackers, sugar and butter. Press into a 9 x 9 x 2-inch butter greased pan. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks, milk and lemon juice on low speed for one minute with a mixer. Pour over the crust and bake for 30 minutes or until set. (Mine took a little longer than 30 minutes.)

Allow to cool completely and spread the whipped cream over the top. Place in the fridge until chilled, about an hour and cut into bars before serving.

Whipped Cream:
¾ cup heavy cream
dash of salt
1/3 cup sugar

With an electric mixer, beat cream, salt and sugar in a large bowl until soft peaks form. Chill in the fridge until ready to use.