peas at a party

Against all odds, Marie Osmond made it to the finals on this season’s “Dancing with the Stars.” There’s already buzz about the Osmonds’ 50th anniversary reunion show to air on PBS this spring. The world was helping Donny—who is everywhere these days—count down to his 50th birthday. And Entertainment Tonight wrapped up 2007 with mucho air time to all things Osmond.

So why this sudden Osmond resurgence? I think I know why.

Because the world has gone craaa-zy. Before heading out to bid this year good riddance a fond farewell, here’s a quick re-cap. We can skip the parts where Paris was in and out of jail and Britney was, hmmm, Britney. Let’s just take a look at fourth quarter craziness.

In October, the Mommy Wars escalated in a tif over the ethics of vegetables. Is it wrong to secretly smush them and hide them in the kids’ brownies? Can you go so far as to lie tell an untruth about it? And never mind that the smushed veggie recipes seemed to have been “borrowed” without giving credit.

In November, the early seasons of Sesame Street were released on dvd. They are rated “adults only.” Among other reasons, Cookie Monster exhibits addictive behavior. To sugar.

In December, the Surgeon General announces that Santa needs to lose weight. He’s a bad role model. And the Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas agrees. They have pledged to lose weight before their July confab. Piling it on, one Australian department store instructed its Santas to no longer say Ho Ho Ho since this might offend some women. Can you picture a buff Santa saying Ha Ha Ha?

Now just in time for year end if you thought it can’t get any more bizarre, Britney Spears’ little sister is pregnant at age 16. And that’s not the bizarre part. The really, really bizarre part is that Mama Spears had a book deal that’s been put on hold. Her book on parenting was coming out for Mother’s Day. Please tell me there’s a punch line in there somewhere.

The “wholesome” 70’s and the Osmonds are looking pretty good right now. Retro (and veggie-free) treats sound even better. If the food police show up, tell them the white stuff is cauliflower.

Crispy PB & Chocolate Bites

Makes 64; about 15 minutes hands on; ready in 45 minutes

• 2 Tbsp butter
• 3/8 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
• 2 cups (about 5 oz) mini marshmallows
• 3 cups crispy rice cereal
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate candies, such as M&M’s

Spray an 8″-square baking dish with butter-flavor cooking spray. Set aside. Spray a large sauce pan with butter-flavor cooking spray. Melt the butter over very low heat. Add the peanut butter, chips, and marshmallows. Stir until the marshmallows are melted, about 4 minutes. Add the cereal and candies, stirring to coat.

Press the mixture into the prepared dish. Cut into 1″ squares when cooled.

Per square, approximately 28 calories; 1.4 g. fat; 3.4 g. carbohydrates; .1 g. fiber; .5 g. protein