Mom's Chocolate Pudding Cake

Mom started making this cake several years ago. I have no idea where the recipe came from but we are all very glad she found it! It doesn't look very pretty but your taste buds will forgive you!--Elnora



German chocolate cake mix
2 small pkg. instant milk chocolate pudding
2 small red-lid Cool-Whip
Candy-broken into pieces (Carmello bars; Reeses; etc.)

Make cake in 9X13 pan according to directions. Cool. Cut cake into 1/4. Cut each 1/4 section in half (horizontally through the middle). Make chocolate pudding in two different bowls. Brake candy into pieces. Assemble cake in a very large bowl. Put half of the cake on the bottom, follow with one bowl of chocolate pudding, half of the candy and half of the cool-whip. Repeat layers with cake, pudding, candy and cool-whip. Refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving.

Oatmeal Carmelitas

It is impossible to capture how incredibly yummy these squares are with a photo. A friend made them for us and after one bite we were hooked! They are so easy but need time to chill so plan ahead!--Elnora


2 c. flour
2 c. oatmeal
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. melted butter

Mix together. Pat 1/2 of the mixture into a 9X13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

Remove cookie layer from oven and sprinkle on 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips on top. Mix 12 oz. caramel sauce with 6 Tbsp. flour and pour over the chocolate chip layer.

Pat remainder of cookie mix on top of caramel sauce. Lightly press down and bake for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees.

Let cool then melt 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips and mix with 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk and spread with a non-stick spoon or spatula on top of the second cookie layer. Chill overnight before cutting and serve!

Mom's Taco Salad

This recipe was made quite often while we were growing up and it continues to be a summer favorite with our family. Elnora


Head of lettuce, broken up
1 lb. hamburger
onions, chopped
can of Kidney beans
cheese slices, broken into pieces
tomatoes, diced
taco chips, slightly crushed
salsa

Brown hamburger with onions. Drain and add the kidney beans to heat through. Set aside and let cool. In bowl, break up the lettuce, add the tomatoes, cheese and taco chips. Toss with the cooled hamburger and beans and serve with salsa. (My kids prefer it with Ranch salad dressing).

Saucy Meatball Hoagies

My children love meatballs so this recipe has been a huge hit with my family. Elnora



40 frozen meatballs, thawed (I usually put in frozen and plan on cooking longer)
26 oz. jar of pasta sauce
1 onion, chopped (I sprinkle in minced)
6 hoagie buns, split and toasted
6 slices Muenster cheese

Combine meatballs, pasta sauce and onion in a greased slow cooker. Cover and cook on low setting for 4-6 hours (approximately 2 hours longer if using frozen). Place meatballs in toasted hoagie buns and top with cheese. Broil to melt the cheese. Makes 6 sandwiches.

Easy Taco Soup

I love this crock-pot recipe because it requires no more work than using a can opener! Several of my children complain about the beans but we have this often anyway! Elnora



1 can (15 oz.) chili with beans and meat
1 can (15 oz.) whole kernel corn, with liquid
1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes, with liquid
1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce
1 can (15 oz.) black beans, with liquid
1 1/2-3 Tablespoons dry taco seasoning mix

Combine all ingredients in a greased slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. Makes 4-6 servings. Serve with grated cheddar cheese, sour cream and taco chips, if desired.

Fresh Fruit Trifle

I had no recipe for this but thought it would make a fun light dessert. It was quite tasty and at least it felt less fattening!--Elnora



Angel Food cake, cubed
Fresh strawberries, sliced
Fresh blueberries

Alternate layers and then spoon on some cream topping.

Dad's Peanut Butter and Molasses

This is the easiest and tastiest dessert passed on from dear ol' dad. Little butter and peanut butter on bread, dip it in molasses with a big glass of milk. Delicious! (My kids and hubby think it's poison but I absolutely love it)