Recipe of the Month
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Try this tasty recipe submitted by Paula Dawson of Hunter, Colorado.

Chocolate Bars
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2 cups (12 ounce package) of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 8 ounce package of cream cheese
2/3 cup (5.3 ounce can) evaporated milk
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups unsifted all-purpose flower
1 teaspoon baking power
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup softened butter
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Combine chocolate chips, cream cheese and evaporated milk in medium
saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until chips are melted
and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat; stir in walnuts and 1/2 teaspoon
almond extract. Blend well; set aside. Combine remaining ingredients in
large mixer bowl; blend well with mixer until mixture resembles coarse
crumbs. Press half of mixture in greased 13x9 inch pan; spread with
chocolate mixture. Sprinkle rest of crumbs over filling. Bake at
375 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool. Cut into
bars. About 3 dozen bars.

Twin Tips
=========

by Lucas Lawson, PhD

Dear TT:
Dressing twins alike is considered "cute", however I don't want my children
to be considered objects and I dislike the confusion that comes from dressing
them alike. On the other hand, it's extra work to shop for two different
styles of clothes all of the time. What do you suggest?
- D.P. Otomawa, IA

The desire to dress identical twins alike is almost irresistible, and you're
right, it does save time shopping as well. It's hard to find clothing in the
style, size and price that you want, and why double your trouble? Consider
purchasing clothing that is similar in style, but not identical. Most
clothing patterns will come in different varieties (blue stripes versus red
stripes, etc.). Purchase these combinations. Your twins will be dressed
similarly, but not exactly alike. You should also remember to go to resales
offered by your local twins or multiple births organizations. You will
probably be able to make substantial savings compared to buying the clothes
new.
-------------

Dear TT:
My twins are entering first grade. Should I have them separated into different
classes?
- M.A. Cleveland, OH

Different schools will have different policies regarding keeping twins
together in class. You should first check with your school to see if they
have established such a policy. If not, the answer to your question depends
on your children. In some cases, a child will flourish without having his
or her twin nearby. In other cases, this absence of support and familiarity
that a twin brings, can be very hard. You should talk to your children and
find out how they feel about the issue. The bottom line is that a happy and
comfortable environment is the best enviroment for your twins to learn in.
-------------

Dear TT:
I'm opposed to using disposable diapers, but cleaning the diapers of my
triplets is a full day job. Help!
- S.J. Crawford, PA

Consider using a diaper service. Your local twins or multiple births club can
direct you to a service in your area. The service will collect the soiled
diapers, clean them and return them to you a week later. Diaper services
are often cheaper than disposable diapers.
-------------

Dear TT:
When and how should I introduce solids to my twins?
- M.K Omaha, NE

Mothers are advised to give their infants milk until they are about three
months old, with most infants moving onto solids between three and four
months. Twins however, since they are usually smaller than singleton babies,
may need to continue with milk longer than this. Remember though, that every
child and family is different, so you should start solids at a date that
you're comfortable with.

Start with vegetables or fruits that have been cook and either liquidized
or strained. Cereal is also a popular food for your babies. You can
moisten the cereal to a thin cream with the addition of a little formula.
----------------

Dear TT:
I'm looking to purchase a stroller. Do you have any suggestions about the
type of stroller I should buy?
- W.W. Savannah, GA

You're in luck. This month's issue of Twin Life, contains an informative
article on different types of twin strollers. Check it out.

==============================================

Photo of the Month
==================

Casey and Susan Atchinson of Mobile, Alabama sent in this photo from the recent delivery of their sons Chad and David. The boys were 7 lbs 6 ounces and 7 lbs 2 ounces respectively. Welcome to Twin Life, Casey and Susan! (and Chad and David too.)