GOOEY BUTTER CAKE

In the last couple of weeks, two sweet ladies have made their way to their Home in Heaven. This is a sad time for the family left here on earth, but they are comforted in knowing where their moms and grandmas are spending eternity. They are now safe in the arms of Jesus. The older we get and the more people we know that are in Heaven makes me think of that old song, "Heaven's Sounding Sweeter All the Time". Hope it's sounding sweeter for you and that you KNOW where you will spend eternity. Life is too short not to know for sure.

I have made this cake for the family dinners following these funerals. It is easy to transport, you don't need to refrigerate it, and it is so rich that you can cut small pieces. I was asked for this recipe and thought I had already posted it. I can't find it, so here it is. (My brother-in-law likes to put peanut butter on it!)

Gooey Butter Cake

Mix:
1 box yellow cake mix
2 eggs
1 stick butter, melted

Press into a greased and floured 9x13 pan.

Mix:
1 - 8oz cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
1 box (1 lb) powdered sugar

Pour over first layer. Bake at 350* about 40 minutes or until sides are nice and golden brown. Cool. Cut into bars.

Recipe from: Faye Whitfield

Notes: The bottom layer is extremely sticky. I have used wax paper sprayed with Pam to spread it.

Brown Sugar Oatmeal Pancakes

I can't believe it was MARCH the last time I posted. Y'all are gonna fire me! Life gets busy, doesn't it. Not all busy is bad. Some busy is good like calling to check on people when they're sick, being involved in bridal showers (5 in 2 months), volunteering to help when a tornado or other disaster hits a nearby community, being involved in church work or community service, praying for others who are in need. I'd much rather be on the giving end than the receiving end. Plus, spending all the time you can with family is so important. We're not guaranteed another day or even the rest of this one.

With the weekend coming up, you might have time to make some pancakes for breakfast. These are so good. I almost don't like to eat plain pancakes anymore. My youngest daughter kept telling me I needed to try these. They are OH, SO YUMMY! They're a bit more filling too.

BROWN SUGAR OATMEAL PANCAKES

1/2 cup + 2 Tb oats
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
2 Tb vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk
(butter for greasing skillet)

Mix all dry ingredients together. In another bowl, mix and beat remaining ingredients. Add to dry ingredients, stirring until just moistened. Use 1/3 cup batter for each pancake.

*Re-butter hot skillet between each pancake.

Makes 6 pancakes.

Recipe from: Amanda Whitfield Longenecker

Notes: We like to use real maple syrup!