Spice Squares

Fall is in the air and it is time to start doing more outside activities!  Since my boys were little, they have been requesting Spice Squares for every camping trip!  I tend to make these yummy bars more during the fall, probably because of the comforting smell of cinnamon.  But, Spice Squares are delicious all year!  Make some for your next hike in the woods or tailgate party!

Spice Squares

1 cup sugar
3/4 cup oil
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 egg
2 cups flour

Combine all ingredients, except flour, and mix well.  Carefully add flour and mix until combined.
Place in 9 x 13 pan or a cookie sheet with edge. 
Bake in 350 degree oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Prepare icing while bars are baking.

1 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 Tbl. mayo
1 Tbl. water

Mix well and spread over bars while hot.
Yes, you read it right: Mayo!  Trust me...you can not taste it

Batter will be very thick.

Mix icing while bars bake.

Bars will "poof" up while baking,

but will fall when you ice them.

Icing will harden as the bars cool.

Spice Squares~~Enjoy!

The Famous Rotel Dip!

                                                              

This Cheese Dip, mostly known as Rotel Dip, is probably the only snack that is served nation wide, using the same basic ingredients!  It is a must have during football season...for tailgating or watching the game on TV!  My family doesn't have to be specific when requesting this favorite dip...it is the only "cheese" dip ever served!

As I was doing my grocery shopping today, I found a new type of Velveeta, Queso Blanco, a white version of  the original Velveeta. The guys couldn't really taste a difference, but I liked the smoother and milder taste.

Everyone knows the traditional recipe:

1 can Rotel Tomatoes
1 lb. (1/2 large block) of Velveeta Cheese

Directions:  Cut cheese into small chunks; combine with tomatoes.  Cook until completely melted.
(I have found that the best method for melting the cheese is using a double boiler.  Of course, when my kids make it on their own, they use the microwave!)  Serve with your favorite tortilla chips!


I am happy with the traditional Rotel Dip, but often times I change it up a bit by adding other ingredients.

~  Browned and drained breakfast sausage
~  Leftover taco meat     
~ 1 can of chili (no beans)
~ 1 pkg. frozen spinach, thawed and well drained and 1 8 oz. cream cheese
~ Sauteed onions and 1 large can of green chilis 

Enjoy football season and share this great cheese dip with friends and family!

The Beginning of Fall Baking

A very good friend of mine shared this yummy recipe with me today...so I thought I would share it with you!

I have a fall recipe for you my friend. Ready to start baking some yummy stuff!

-butter pecan cake mix
-16 oz coconut pecan frosting
-4 eggs
-3/4 c oil
-1 c water
-1 c finely chopped pecans

*Mix cake mix, eggs, oil, water, & 1/2 frosting for 3 mins on low speed; add 1/2 c pecans & stir; spray bundt pan w/ cooking spray; place other 1/2 c of pecans in pan; place other 1/2 of frosting on top of pecans; pour cake mixture over pecans & frosting; bake @ 350 for 50-55 mins; cool completely before removing otherwise topping will stick.

Pimento Cheese

Homemade Pimento Cheese spread makes a great snack for tailgating, parties, picnics and even a light lunch!  It can be served with crackers, raw veggies or as a delicious sandwich!  If eaten as a sandwich, there is one thing that is a must for me...only very fresh white bread; and of course, I must have Lay's Potato Chips on the side!  The Pimento Cheese Sandwich  is famous for being served at The Masters Golf Tournament!  I have eaten at diners that serve a Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwich, can you imagine! There are 3 basic ingredients in southern Pimento Cheese...mayo, cheese and of course, pimentos!  I have always used Cheddar Cheese until I spotted Shredded Velveeta at my local grocer!  It gives the Pimento Cheese a very smooth and creamy texture!  I hope you enjoy this snack and share at your next party!

Pimento Cheese

3/4 cup Mayo
2 cups shredded cheese
1 4 oz. jar chopped Pimentos

Mix together and chill at least an hour or so.  Overnight is even better, if you can wait that long!

Oatmeal Cake

Do you ever just have a craving for something?  Well, mine happened to be Oatmeal Cake today, actually for a couple of days!  I love the gooeyness of the cake and the crunch of the broiled topping!  Oatmeal is healthy, right?  Add a tall glass of ice-cold milk, and this could be breakfast!  Enjoy and share with friends!

Oatmeal Cake

1 c. quick cooking oats                       1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 c. boiling water                          1 c. brown sugar
1 stick butter or margarine               1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs, well beaten                            1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/3 c. flour                                       1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350.  Grease and flour 9 x 13 pan.
Mix oats and boiling water in bowl.  Lay stick of butter on top and let stand for 20 minutes.  Add other ingredients and mix well.  Pour into pan and bake for 35 minutes.

Topping:

1 c. coconut                                          1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. chopped pecans                          1/4 c. milk or cream
1/2 stick butter, melted                        1 tsp. vanilla

While cake is baking, mix all topping ingredients together.  After cake is done, carefully spread topping over top.  Place under broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, or until slightly crunchy.