The Polyamorists Next Door

The Polyamorists Next Door

In writing The Polyamorists Next Door: Inside Multiple-Partner Relationships and Families, Elisabeth Sheff tackles a tough topic with objectivity, sensitivity, and grace.  Sheff shows that polyamory is a positive family model.  With personal experience and fifteen years of research, Sheff presents all aspects of polyamory through a deeply informed lens.

I like how Sheff addresses the more positive aspects as well as the less positive.  It is incredibly important to understand fully any chosen way of life; whether that way of life is a religion, a diet, or a family model.  Sheff discusses the difficulties of defining polyamory, and who practices polyamory.  She writes about how adults view polyamory, how children within polyamorous families view polyamory, and how neighbors, schools, and Child Protective Services view polyamory.

I especially appreciate her insight into her own experiences with polyamory.  It is not easy to transition into or out of a polyamorous relationship, and Sheff opens her life for the reader.  This adds validity to her research.  Without the personal stories, this would be little more than a long (well written) scholarly review journal article.  The personal stories show me that this information is not just a theory rather, a true representation of the lifestyle. 

While no book can be the definitive presentation (i.e.: the one to read while ignoring all others), I believe anyone researching polyamory should pick up this one.  I find it true to life, authentic, and comprehensive.

Happy Reading

Laura

OCD Baker

I decided to make Monster Bars this morning.  I have enjoyed success with this recipe in the past.  I liken it to a homemade candy bar.  Very good.

When I follow the recipe instructions, I get a (very tasty) 13"x 9" block of candy which I can only try (but never succeed) in cutting into even pieces with an equal amount of each flavor.

Here is where my OCD kicks in and kicks ... well ... you know what.

I took an idea from my experience with cranberry mousse (another really great recipe I use at least twice per year) and created individual candies.

Each cup holds exactly (or nearly exactly) the same of every ingredient as every other cup.

This method took a lot longer to prepare, but yielded about three times the amount the original recipe would have.  Additionally, it took less of most of my ingredients than the original recipe called for.

I add my recipe with instructions for those who wish to improve upon perfection.

Go forth..sell a hundred thousand cups...make a million dollars.

Start with a graham cracker crust base:
1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/4 cup sugar; 5 Tbsp soft butter => mash together with your fingers until fully combined
This makes about 72 cups...seriously!

Using a cupcake cup in a muffin tin:
Place 1/2 Tbsp. Graham Cracker Pie Crust (push into the bottom to create a crust)
Drizzle 1/4 tsp. condensed milk (this will use only about 1/4 of the can for all 72)
3 Pecan Halves (scrape the backs with peanut butter)
5 chocolate chips
5 white chocolate chips
1 pinch coconut
2 pinches chopped walnut
5 mini marshmallows
Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes

Enjoy :)