Fall - ing

 

According to the calendar, it isn't quite fall yet.  According to nature, it is.  It is hot, but it smells like an autumn hot not a summer hot.  If that makes sense to you, then we speak a similar language.  Even meals are experiencing a slight shifting away from summer fare to dishes with a warmer cozier vibe.  We aren't quite full on cold weather food, but we are definitely going to be slipping in some chili and a potato soup very soon..  Because, well, fall.  

During a recent sort and rearrange of the kitchen cupboards I went through recipes.  This is by far the most used recipe card in the box, and it is PERFECT for fall.  It is from one of my grandmothers.  Raisin Sheet Cake is not only simple to make but wonderful for bringing to autumn gatherings. AND since fall wouldn't be complete without at least one game night recipe, one of our oldest, and most enjoyed, cheese dip recipes is tagging along, just for fun.  Please note that the cheese dip is very flexible and ingredients can be adjusted to each family's preferences or to fit whatever ingredients may be in the cupboard.  When I don't have green chiles on hand salsa substitutes well.  We also enjoy eating the dip with extra large pretzels in place of the usual tortilla chips.  The dip is quite thick and works best when served with an extra sturdy chip, or those extra large crunchy pretzels if you can find them.  

RAISIN SHEET CAKE

1 C. raisins

1 1/2 C. water

Simmer raisins in water 5 min. Drain and keep liquid.

1 1/2 C. white sugar

1 C. shortening

Cream sugar and shortening together.  I use butter in place of shortening. 

1 C. liquid from raisins (can add water to make a full cup)

Add liquid from raisins.

2 eggs, beaten

Add to above mixture.

 2 1/2 C. flour

1 t. cinnamon

1 t. soda

Mix flour, cinnamon, and soda together.  Add a little at a time to the above mixture adding raisins with the last addition. Bake at 350 degrees for approx. 25 minutes.  Frost with brown sugar frosting.

BROWN SUGAR FROSTING

1 C. brown sugar

1/2 half and half or cream

Boil 1 minute. Remove from heat and add powdered sugar until desired consistency.  Add 1 t. of vanilla. Frost cake.  

CHEESE DIP

2 lb. block of Velveeta, cut in small pieces

1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained

small can green chiles

1/2 t. chili powder

2 t. Worcestershire sauce

Place all ingredients in a crockpot on high until cheese is melted then turn to low or keep warm for up to six hours.  

As  the season shifts may your home be filled with the Lord Jesus and the peace He gives.  May the warmth of His love be even warmer than the bonfires roasting the hotdogs and s'mores, and may His fragrance permeate the air of your home.  No matter how many spice scented candles you light or how many pumpkin spice lattes you drink, may you be ever enraptured by Jesus our soon coming King.  May the harvest cause you to ponder His abundance, and may you see the evidence of Him everywhere, always. 

In Christ alone,

Shalom, shalom