Allegiance

I grew up in Indiana, a Hoosier born and bred. It instilled in me a great love for the Hoosiers, college basketball, offensive tirades, and bracketology.  In 1993, my family moved to Ohio.  Definitely enemy territory.  For a long time I refused to be referred to as an Ohioan.  There may or may not have been recurring nightmares of Bobby Knight in all his shin-kicking, chair-throwing glory, interrogating me about my allegiance.


Would that be a 'Knightmare?'

Terrifying.

Well, along came a certain bee a few years later that changed the course of my life, and I'm not talking about Mike Davis or Kelvin Sampson.  I'll never forget the day I spoke those binding vows, "for better or for worse."  

Apparently, this included collegiate allegiance. 

Mr. B is a die-hard Ohio State fan.  He may have a soft spot for underdogs. He may root for whomever is playing North Carolina.  He may accept free tickets to watch neighboring Kansas teams get embarassed by Nebraska just so he can yell, "It won't be like this in the Horseshoe, boys!" In the twelve years we have known each other, I have never known him to waiver.  Complain, yes. Waiver, no.  

I'd insert some clever joke here about us knowing each other for twelve years, but I'm still choking.  

When it comes to sports, if the man is anything - he is loyal.  He doesn't jump ship for any reason.  You might have heard him cheering for Green Bay on Super Bowl Sunday.  AJ Hawk, Matt Wilhelm - both OSU alumni - somehow it all comes back to him showing his undying loyalty to his Buckeyes. 

So during our courtship and marriage, I have learned to share his enthuiasm. There are all kinds of sacrifices we make in marriage. So each year I hammer up the Ohio State flag, pull on my Buckeye sweatshirt, and prepare to share my husband's love...even when it involves watching the Bucks blow a 15 point lead against the Badgers. Stupid Kohl Center.

I thought it only appropriate, with it being Valentine's Day, that I show my husband my allegiance to him...in the most allegiant way I know how...

Buckeyes  (click to print)

1 1/2 c. creamy peanut butter
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 t. vanilla
4 c. powdered sugar, sifted 
6 oz. vegan chocolate chips
2 T. Earth Balance shortening

Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper.


In a medium bowl, mix peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and sugar with hands to form the dough.  It will be rather dry & stiff.  Shape into balls (I'm into balls lately, aren't I?). I used my tablespoon.  Place them on a cookie sheet and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Melt shortening and chocolate chips together in a glass bowl in the microwave.  Stir occasionally until smooth.

Remove your balls from refrigerator. (You know I'm laughing, right?) Pour small amounts of chocolate over each ball.  Repeat with remaining balls. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.

When you peel them up off the wax paper, you'll have a small circular area unchocolatized. Those little bad boys really do look like the worthless nuts they're named after - and HOLY BEES are they good.

I love you, Mr. B...and you too, Brutus.