Nuthin' says loving like somethin' from the oven

In case you didn't know, tonight is National Night Out.

Our neighborhood is gathering in the cul-de-sac for brats and beer. Because we're small-time-USA, a fire truck and police car will be stopping by. And no, not because the neighbors called either.

It should be a great time. As part of the preparations, I pre-boiled 15 pounds of brats this morning. That is a lot.

Best way to pre-boil brats:
Butter
Onion
Beer
Brats
Saute some onions in butter, being careful not to brown them. Don't be stingy. Add the beer and bring it to a boil. Simmer brats in beer for 10-15 minutes before grilling. If not grilling right away, put them in the fridge. Grill 10-15 minutes or until the skin is nice and crispy.

Also, I put together some brownies:

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
1 box "family size" brownie mix (13x9 pan)
1 bag mini Reece's Peanut Butter Cups.

Mix brownie mix according to package directions. Unwrap (duh!) and quarter nearly the whole bag of RPBC. I say nearly all because my kids help and I know they eat several as they go. Pour into a lightly greased 9 x 13 pan and bake according to brownie directions. If you're up for it, after they cool drizzle a little melted peanut butter over the brownies.

Finally, because I'm a complete overachiever, I made some deviled eggs:
1 dozen hard boiled eggs*
mayo
vinegar
salt
pepper (white if you have it, otherwise black will do)
dash of hot sauce if you're feeling spicy.
paprika

Combine yolks with a little mayo, splash of vinegar, salt, pepper and hot sauce. Unfortunately, I don't have exact measurements - maybe 1/4 c mayo, 2 Tablespoons vinegar? If necessary, start small and add a little at a time. To refill the whites, I put the yolk mixture in a zip top bag and snip the corner. Makes a quick, easy, and disposable piping bag. Top with a dash of paprika.

*to hard boil eggs, put in a pan with enough cool water to cover. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Once water starts to boil, turn off heat and let set for 15 minutes. Then cool in an ice bath.

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Not much else. Managed to get four loads of laundry done yesterday and two today. Thursday my husband will be dropping the kids off at my parents for a week. Yes, a whole week they'll be gone. My plan is to finish Tree's quilt and clean out the kids' rooms. Not very exciting, unless you're me. Heh.

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