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

What’s that I’m hearing?  Grumbling?  Doubt?

According to Charles Courtmanche, a doctoral student in Washington University’s Economics Department, since we walk more and eat out less when gasoline prices rise, every $1 increase in the price of gasoline equals a 15% reduction in the level of U.S. obesity.

In fact, according to Courtmanche, about 13% of the rise in obesity between 1979 and 2004 can be attributed to falling gasoline prices in those years.  Courtmanche (who is just as cute as a bug and younger than my favorite pair of jeans) goes on to suggest that a bigger federal tax on gasoline might be a way of addressing the U.S. ”obesity epidemic.”  I’m guessing he personally stays so slim from running.  As in, from the crowd gathered at the filling station.

Soooo, next time you’re filling up at the pump and those little numbers are whirling by so fast it makes your head spin, just remember how much healthier we all are.

 Right.

The freelance food writer worked seven days a week, from six to 16 hours every day, to prepare; he started getting ready in March.  By the time his extreme locavore month ended on September 15, he calculated that in addition to his time he had made a substantial financial investment.  On average his cost per meal–for one person–was $120.

Perhaps when the first tornado to hit Brooklyn in 120 years roared through the city, he should have taken that as a sign?  But you have to admire his determination and his sense of humor.  And his family’s patience.

One of my favorites is her section on soul food as it was named in the late ’60’s.  She reports on the First Annual Soul Food Recipe Contest.  Mrs. Johnnie Haynes won an honorable mention for her recipe, Roast Possum with Sweet Potatoes.  The first line of instructions reads, “First catch possum.”

 Note to self:  Never try a recipe that starts with catching something.

I’m sticking with black-eyed peas and cornbread.

My goodness, I feel better.  Don’t you?

Okay, I’m certainly no fan of trans fats.  They should be eliminated.  But mandating a trans-fat-free state fair?  It just seems to miss the point.  Is a little trans fat every year or so in that battered and oil-drenched Snickers really the problem?