My "Go-To's"

A girl has got to have her "go-to's" - the things you do, wear, go to, talk to when you are in a pinch or just need a reliable fall-back plan.  My beloved Grandma Arkansas told me once that muffins were her "strong suit" when she was taking food to someone in that way that Southern women know how to do so well.  That's exactly how she described her blueberry muffin - her strong suit.  A muffin made blue from the berries' juices seeping through the batter graced many a table because she knew they were dependable and worth sharing.  

When I think about it, I have my own set of reliable go-to's in my life.  My sister who faithfully talks through any situation.  Room 11 when I want a lovely night out or Astor when take out will do the trick.  The familiarity of 30A has become the go-to of winter holidays for my family.  There's the dress I bought on whim at Banana a few years ago that has been reliably dressed up and down.  The cocktail of blueberry simple syrup and vanilla vodka has become standard repertoire for my summer entertaining.

And then there's all the delights I find on Pinterest that are inviting me to make new friends and welcome them in as standard fare.  I like trying new things - sometimes.  Familiar is comforting but new can be refreshing.  The anticipation if it's going to turn out like the recipe and review said.  How it measures up to old favorites will determine its staying power .  Well, making this recipe three times in three weeks to all rave reviews has made it a new "go-to."

Chocolate Chip Toffee Bars graced the table for a going away party, a dinner with a friend and a discussion group at my church.  It's no ordinary cookie bar - it's good like eating raw cookie dough straight from the bowl good but it's cooked and not a health risk good.  It even got a rave review from a 85-year old church member that has many more desserts in her repertoire to compare it to - I took that as a high compliment.

I'm sure there are more delights to discover but for now I am confident these bars will make yet another appearance and I'm sure if you tried, you might try again too.  Enjoy and let me know in comments what are your reliable recipes or go-to's in life.

Pinterest Trial:  Chocolate Chip Toffee Bars
Review:  Delicious and easy