There are few things that I love more than having our home filled with students. I am so thankful for the growth our youth group has experienced, but I miss the evenings spent with a handful of students sitting in our living room. The only event that has stood the test of time is our pumpkin decorating contest. This was our 4th year to host and the coveted prize is the Stanly Pumpkin Cup. Sunday night our house was busting at the seams but I loves every last minute of it! Not only do we get to see our students’ creativity but it’s a great excuse to try new recipes for the blog.
First, lets talk about these Oatmeal Cream Pies. Oh my deliciousness! These are an amazing take on the classic snack cake. I’m a sucker for oatmeal cookies and I’ll be so bold to say that these are the best oatmeal cookies ever created in my kitchen. I had to make some alterations to the cream filling. Mine initially tasted like shortening (YUCK!!) so I added another 1/2 cup powdered sugar and that did the trick. They were gobbled up in no time and had me wishing I’d made a double batch!
I also made these Rolo Cake Bars. If you are looking for a ridiculously easy dessert recipe then you must try this one. Not only is it easy, these Rolo Cake Bars are delicious. Our kids raved about these and they were devoured faster than the oatmeal cream pies. Let’s be honest! Who wouldn’t love a cake bar filled with chocolate and caramel? Simply perfection!
And because I feel all things fall require apple cider, I made this Carmel Apple Cider. I think it’s a copycat recipe for Starbucks Caramel Apple Cider and it’s pure goodness in a cup. I was shocked as our students consumed 2 gallons of this cider. Clearly, it was amazing! My crock-pot wasn’t big enough for 2 gallons of cider so I just simmered it on the stove for 3 hours. I think I got results similar to what would have been accomplished in the crock-pot. To be true to the original Starbucks drink, we topped it with homemade whipped cream. In my opinion, most things are even better when topped with whipped cream.
Our desire has always been that our home would be a place of comfort and hospitality for those that enter. I love that our students feel that comfort. They bring their friends to our house, make themselves at home and compliment my cooking. I’m sure there’s nothing better!
You make me proud!!
I must ask, “where is your dining table?”
My super smart husband moved the table into the garage because he thought we’d have so many kids. Good thing he did because all our kids wouldn’t have fit otherwise! Such a fun night!
thank you. i have gained 5 lb from looking at these pics and now i need to make them!:)
Seriously Betsy, you MUST make all three. I can’t even tell you how good they are! Let me know how it goes.
As a direct beneficiary of this particular foodventure I can attest that each of these recipes is a BIG winner! Thanks for loving us through food 🙂
Oh my, caramel and chocolate and caramel and cider and yummy, yummy, yummy!
Great job on your blog. I am also in The Blog Class and read of your relaunch on The Blog Class Facebook page. I really like your creativity and the look of your blog – oh, and your recipes look delicious.
Lori- Thanks for your kind words! I’ve loved the blog class. Looking forward to reading yours!