As I am preparing for my daughter's first day back to school and STILL trying to cling onto summer, the age old question popped into my mind.
Did you ever think back to when you were in high school and wish you knew then what you know now?
Me? Every time my stupid brain triggers a memory that makes me cringe.
I never minded school. I was pretty well-rounded, got good grades, dabbled in a few after school clubs, tried to get along with everyone. I had friends in every stereotypical circle there was, but I also graduated with like 700 kids, so I'm sure it sounds more impressive than it actually was. Looking back, despite having some great relationships and good times, there were definitely things (and people) I wish I didn't hold in such high regard as I did. I certainly wish I told more people to bugger off.
I most wish I had the confidence I have now. Not that I'm overflowing with it in present day, but I know who I am as opposed to who I was at 16, 17 and even 18. Boy, school would have been REALLY fun.
I think I would have the most satisfaction with 'those' girls. The pretty, popular, pressure pushing girls that made anyone who had less than them feel like complete crap on a daily basis, despite the fact that they had most of their classmates eating out of the palms of their hands and had everything going for them.
I don't want to come across bitter, QUITE the contrary, but a couple of these girls made life an absolute hell for some of my closest friends, even me by association. They made a few girls in their own circle feel awkward. Now that I have my own kids, especially a daughter, it would break my heart to see them go through any hurt or grief. I want them to be stronger than I was. I want them to stand their ground; to speak up for those that can't find their voice. I understand kids have to endure some sort schtick, if you will, as it helps build character and a thick skin, but I so wish I would have had said and done more.
However, what really confuses me about these particular girls isn't that they completely ignored half of the graduating class over summer breaks from university while at the local pub, when people were more than willing to bury the proverbial hatchet or looking me and four others up and down countless times while busting a move at a mutual friend's wedding a few years after that OR totally doing an about face in the mall when I was back home visiting a couple years ago, but that they have tried to friend me on Facebook. Multiple times.
Um, you're kidding me, right? So after all of that, you want to be Facebook friends, just not actual friends?
Yeah, I'm gonna have to take a pass on that one Regina George, but thanks.
But please, do not pass up on these.
Unlike some things, you'll want these in your life for a long time to come.
DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH PRETZEL BITES
Cookie Dough:
½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
¾ cup brown sugar, packed firmly
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
½ cup melted chocolate chips
1 cup flour
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons whole milk
1 cup mini chocolate chips
1 bag waffle-style pretzels - twisty pretzels work as well
1 package white and/or milk chocolate coating, like Candi-Quik
1 cup coarsely chopped peanuts or sprinkles*
Prepare a cookie sheet by lining with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together with an electric mixer. Beat in vanilla and melted chocolate until incorporated. Add in flour and salt; mix well. Incorporate milk until cookie dough comes together.
Place a generous tablespoon of cookie dough in between 2 pretzels and manipulate to fit.
Place filled pretzels sandwiches onto cookie sheet and pop into freezer for about 15-20 minutes to allow cookie dough to firm up for dipping.
Melt candy coating using a heat-proof safe dish until smooth and creamy. If using Candi-Quik, melt according to package.
Dip half the pretzel (or all of it, depending on your preference) into chocolate coating of your choice, allowing excess chocolate to fall back into bowl. Place on parchment paper and immediately sprinkle with peanuts or sprinkles. Allow to set before enjoying. I prefer to enjoy these these out of the fridge.
*These are super cute with nonpareil sprinkles in coordinating colours for holiday seasons or birthdays.
Unlike some things, you'll want these in your life for a long time to come.
DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH PRETZEL BITES
Cookie Dough:
½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
¾ cup brown sugar, packed firmly
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
½ cup melted chocolate chips
1 cup flour
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons whole milk
1 cup mini chocolate chips
1 bag waffle-style pretzels - twisty pretzels work as well
1 package white and/or milk chocolate coating, like Candi-Quik
1 cup coarsely chopped peanuts or sprinkles*
Prepare a cookie sheet by lining with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together with an electric mixer. Beat in vanilla and melted chocolate until incorporated. Add in flour and salt; mix well. Incorporate milk until cookie dough comes together.
Place a generous tablespoon of cookie dough in between 2 pretzels and manipulate to fit.
Place filled pretzels sandwiches onto cookie sheet and pop into freezer for about 15-20 minutes to allow cookie dough to firm up for dipping.
Melt candy coating using a heat-proof safe dish until smooth and creamy. If using Candi-Quik, melt according to package.
Dip half the pretzel (or all of it, depending on your preference) into chocolate coating of your choice, allowing excess chocolate to fall back into bowl. Place on parchment paper and immediately sprinkle with peanuts or sprinkles. Allow to set before enjoying. I prefer to enjoy these these out of the fridge.
*These are super cute with nonpareil sprinkles in coordinating colours for holiday seasons or birthdays.
share this on » |
{Facebook} |
{Twitter} |
{Pinterest} |
Oh my gosh, these look so good! What a great little treat to snack on!!! Looks so yummy!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Maria! XO
DeleteLove this post. I had a similar highschool experience though growing up as a "fat" girl I made friends in all social circles to "survive". My oldest stepdaughter is terrified to go back to school as she feels bullied and ostracized from her circle of friends due to the arrival of a new "alpha" female to their group. It's so tough trying to explain to an 11 year old that this stuff does not need to shape who you are going to grow up to be. Hindsight is such a wonderful thing it's just too bad a little girl doesn't quite believe in just yet.
ReplyDeleteI will however make these for her and continue to make her feel like the coolest kid on the planet.
Oh Heather, what a great stepmom you are! It's such a heartbreaking world for a child; there are so many more obstacles than we had growing up. I really hope your stepdaughter gets through those tough moments with a smile on her face. One day, that little girl will grow to be a kick ass adult. She's very lucky to have you! XO
DeleteUghhhh don't even start with me and stupid popular girls (and their weird desire to friend you on fb. I think they just like to have as many fb friends as possible. Additionally, I feel like the people who always say "there aren't really any cliques at our school" are the popular betches.)
ReplyDeleteAnyway I was bullied pretty hardcore and stuff so yeah it's rough.
This is why cookie dough exists.
I will forget every silly horrible thing that happened to me by just devouring these Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pretzel Bites, because I believe they can create miracles :P Or at least happiness in my bellyyy
Right!? Right!? And RIGHT?! Look how amazing and incredible you turned out! Cookie dough makes everything better. XO
DeleteGreat post! I was bullied horribly in high school, and am all too familiar with the Regina George type. "On Wednesdays, we wear pink". Please. Lol. Thankfully that's all in the past. Best of luck to your daughter on her first day back at school and for the whole year! Now I'm off to bake these sinful little delights - yum!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your comment Tessa! I had to laugh at the pink comment. Because it's not manatory, there's always those few non-conformist that choose to wear black and make fun of those that wear pink. Great concept, poor execution. XO
DeleteYUM!!! These look so awesome.
ReplyDelete700 people, ha, I don't even know if I had 100.
There were 3 high schools that joined into one when I was a junior. It was MADNESS. It's gotten so bad over the years, they now wear uniforms. Crazy.
DeleteSuch a great post (and very timely since I just watched Mean Girls again for the thousandth time)! I also wish I had the confidence I have now back in high school. I think I would have taken so many more good risks and grown into myself more quickly. But I'm also okay with the fact that it took me awhile to come into my own. These little cookie dough bites look fabulous--sweet and salty. I cannot resist!!
ReplyDeleteAmy | Club Narwhal
Thanks for your comment Amy! Good things come to those who wait, right? As much as I wish I had the confidence, I'm so glad I gained discernment in the process. I can read a person within minutes of meeting them. It's served me well. XO
Deletethese look SO amazing! I bed my kids would flip if they found these in their lunches - thanks for linking up to wake up wednesdays
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Heather! XO
DeleteOoh they look nice. I've gotta make them! Saving and pinning.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Laura! XO
DeleteLove the Regina George reference! I need to try these treats!! Thanks for linking up to Wake up Wednesdays! I'll be sharing this recipe on FB, twitter and pinterest.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I think we all know or have known of a Regina George in out time. XO
DeleteThese are so perfect for me. I love pretzels and cookie dough. What more do I need in life. Thanks for sharing on Thursdays Treasures. This will be a feature.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Christie! Cooke dough and pretzels can make the most bleak day brighter! XO
DeleteI know these are amazing!!
ReplyDelete