4-Layer Dessert Recipe

Here is the most-requested recipe we have at Parker Ranchero. I don't remember where I got it. Much gratitude to whoever it was though.

FOUR-LAYER DESSERT

Mix 1/2 cup softened butter (do not use melted butter), 1 cup flour, and 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans. Spread evenly in 9" x 13" pan. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely.

Mix 8 oz. softened cream cheese, 1 cup Cool Whip (out of a 12 oz. container) and 1 cup powdered sugar. Spread over cooled crust.

Mix 3 cups milk and 2 small packages INSTANT pudding (any flavor...our favorites are chocolate and banana cream) for 2 minutes or use 1 can (21 oz.) pie filling. Spread over cream cheese layer. Refrigerate 15 minutes minimum if using pudding.

Spread remaining Cool Whip on top. Garnish with additional chopped nuts if desired.

Enjoy!

We've got much company in the next 3 days. That means lots of food preparation for us. We're having a family of 11 for supper tomorrow (and we can hardly wait!!), 1-3 college young men (we haven't heard back from 2 of them yet), then a family of 5 for lunch Sunday afternoon. Then the family of 11 again (same family!) possibly Monday or Tuesday, or BOTH!

I overheard my WH talking to his sister on the phone tonight (we are in NC, and she lives in TN) and inviting her family to spend part of the weekend with us. He told her of the plans we had already for guests, and I was thinking, "What's five more??" She can't make it this trip however. Too bad...the house will seem empty without them.

~Joan, from the home that never seems to have a dull moment

It's My Birthday (or at least it was a few days ago)

When I hear the phrase "it's my birthday, it's my birthday" I can't help thinking of Sid on the movie Ice Age. Hilarious fellow, that Sid. Especially when playing keep-the-watermelon-away-from-the-dodo-birds.

A friend from church (hi, Tammy!) told me days ago that my blog was behind the times. I was touched that she reads it (sniff, sniff). As an excuse, here's what I've been doing:

Saturday (August 23 in case you want to make a note so you can send me a nice gift next year) was my birthday and we didn't do anything all that special but my WH and I did go out for lunch which is always special to me because eating out at a real live sit-down and look down at the menu place is just such a treat then much later we had the delicious recipe I posted a couple posts ago for supper but not cake (4-layer dessert is so much better) because cakes are just not special enough for someone embarking on year 46 who also had to select and perfect an offertory for the next day which included other family members in spite of being busy doing laundry grading schoolwork chauferring children and self and going to Curves altering a jumper for a young lady at church to deliver on Sunday and so on and so forth. And that's just part of Saturday!! Are you tired yet??

Seriously, though, there were a few special moments on the big b-day. Not in order of importance or anything...more of a chronological thing. I was walking into Curves when I received a text message. It was from my son's friend, Josiah. He was wishing me a happy birthday and ended with "are you 36 yet?" Don't you just love a kid like that? And all you hear about is the bad teens. Well, this one is a keeper.

DD1's boss (hi, Vik!) drove her home after work (what a great guy), and he made a special stop so Elisabeth could get me some fresh flowers. That's her story and she's sticking with it. She knows how much I love flowers, potted or otherwise. She picked several types and made sure to include my favorites...daisies. They still look lovely. She was so thoughtful.

Emily bought me some of my favorite chocolates. I am horrified to see that I have eaten them all already. Honestly, I reached in the box for one today and they...were...gone! I pulled out the tissue paper and shook it several times just to make sure they truly were all eaten. I gave a few to my offspring, but how could they possibly all have been consumed? Where did they go (imagine me looking down at hips)...oh--there they are. Never mind...drop subject.

I could have done like my b-friend, Elaine, and asked my DH to hide them from me (and dole out one a day), but think of the time I would have wasted searching for them! Elaine--that was hilarious. We must be twins separated at birth...I'd have done the same thing! Oh, my!!

It's nice to know I have been missed. Once my children's violin and piano lessons are regularly scheduled again, I'll have more quiltiness to share. Until then, stick a daisy in your hat and be happy.

~Joan