Molasses Me

I've never been a huge fan of resolutions, probably because they don't keep and start to smell bad after a couple of weeks. And then they attract annoying little fruit flies that buzz around whispering disparaging remarks in my ear.

So I'm not really making resolutions. I'm just going to continue doing what I've been doing, mainly following training programs in order to successfully complete a few races and eat healthy so that I can occasionally binge and sugar.

This year is a little different, however, because I'm trying a few different types of races than what I've done in the past. In April I'll be attempting the Tough Mudder (which I've already written about) and in September I have decided to do a half ironman triathlon.

A regular ironman triathlon consists of a 2.4 mile swim, followed immediately by a 112 mile bike ride, followed immediately by a full marathon. So a half-ironman is half that. Go figure. 1.2 swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 run.

Soapbox time. For a large portion of the population running 13.1 miles is a serious accomplishment. Can't they call it something other than half of something else? It just seems like calling it a half-marathon is implying that you aren't tough enough to go the whole way. Same goes for a half-ironman. I guess I'll only be half a man. Err, Ironman. Soapbox done.

So I've started to train on all three disciples of the triathlon, doing each about three times a week, as well as doing a little lifting. I think I may have to take out a second mortgage to get all the new gear though.

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So my sort-of-resolutions should take me two steps forward in the healthy department, it's time to take that ever so scrumptious step back. This time the step back is an old family recipe that is a staple of the holidays. My great grandmother used to give a batch to my grandparents and their family for Christmas way back in the day. It may sound a little old fashioned but it is seriously addictive. There is a disclaimer though; I am not responsible for any lost fillings or other dental work.

Molasses Candy

2 cups sugar
2/3 cup molasses or sorgam
1/3 cup corn syrup
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup milk
1 Tbs vinegar
2 heaping cups of whole almonds (other nuts will work too)
1 tsp baking soda
butter for pan

Combine sugar, molasses, corn syrup, evaporated milk, & milk. Heat until soft ball stage**, stir in vinegar. Cook until hard ball stage, add nuts. Heat until it boils again and add the baking soda. Stir until fluffy and pour out onto a buttered cookie sheet.

** You can cook it less so that it is softer and it is just as good. It's really just a matter of taste.