Bieber Fever

Contrary to popular belief, not everyone has "Bieber Fever." However, this recent epidemic has spread quickly, causing upsetting side effects in many people. The symptoms may appear gradually, but they are very serious. If you or a loved one are exhibiting these, please notify your doctor immediately. Or just get a reality check.

SYMPTOMS:

• Talking about Justin Bieber all the time.
• Screaming whenever his music comes on the radio.
• Hanging posters on the wall of your bedroom, even if you are 40.
• Purchasing and then wearing every single day Justin's new perfume "Someday" even though it smells like butt. Trust me, I smelled the sample in a Macy's flier the other day.
• Obsessively listening to all of his songs so that you know every word.
• Following every detail of his life so that you can know the moment he breaks up with Selena Gomez and you can make your move.

SIDE EFFECTS

• Irritability whenever someone talks ill of Justin Bieber.
• Moodiness when a radio station stops playing his most recent big hit.
• Depression when you discover that he and Selena have rekindled their romance.
• Blasting his music from your laptop at all times in every public place in order to battle the depression.

I do not have Bieber Fever. Yes, I think he is talented and has great potential. His music is "cute" and I like a few of his songs. But please, I do not obsess over him. And I believe that many other people feel the same way as I do. We like some of his music, but he is not the center of our world. So please, girl who will not stop playing the same three Justin Bieber songs over and over on her laptop, mute your computer or plug in your headphones. Nobody wants to hear Justin Bieber while they're trying to study. 

Your futile attempt to infect everyone around you with Bieber Fever won't work on me. 

The Recipe

I have had a couple requests to post the recipe for the White Chip Lemon Streusel Bars, so here it is!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon peel
• 2 cups (or 12-ounce package) HERSHEY'S Premier White Chips, divided
• 2/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups regular rolled or quick-cooking oats
• 3/4 cup toasted pecan pieces*
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon shortening (do not use butter, margarine, spread, or oil

*To toast pecans: Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread pecans in thin layer in shallow baking pan. Bake, stirring occasionally. 7 to 8 minutes or until golden brown: cool.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Combine sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon peel in medium bowl; set aside. Measure out 1/4 cup and 1/3 cup white chips; set aside. Add remaining white chips to lemon mixture.
2. Beat butter and brown sugar with electric mixer on medium speed in large bowl until will blended. Stir together flour, oats, pecans, baking powder and salt; add to butter mixture, blending well. Set aside 1 2/3 cups oats mixture. Add egg to remaining oats mixture, blending until crumbly; press onto bottom of prepared pan. Gently spoon lemon mixture on top, spreading evenly. Add reserved 1/3 cup white chips to reserved oats mixture. Sprinkle over lemon layer, pressing down lightly.
3. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool in pan on wire rack. Place remaining 1/4 cup white chips and shortening in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 30 seconds or until chips are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred. Drizzle over baked bars. Allow drizzle to set; cut into bars.

Makes 36 bars.

White Chip Lemon Streusel Bars

Our friends Marquee and Garrett came over tonight to hang out, make some dessert, and watch a movie. As the boys chatted and ate Chicken-Radish dip, Marquee and I got to work on a recipe I have had my eye on for quite some time. They were fairly simple, and only take 20-25 minutes to bake. And they are DELICIOUS.

Delectable.