SEASON THREE: READY, SET, GO!

I can't believe we have started our third go 'round of Tis So Sweet already! We are really excited to introduce some new elements to this upcoming semester. While we will continue to enjoy fellowship and food as usual, we are also adding some ministry opportunities to the calendar! Some of the things we plan to do include ministering to the homeless and elderly in our community. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact one of the Tis So Sweet ladies, or the church office for more information. And of course, I will post all about it right here on the blog, so don't forget to check in!

L to R: Alison, Lindsey (holding Ronin), Nicole, and Belinda

LOVED getting to spend quality time catching up with these awesome ladies. I never realized how much friendship and love I was missing out on by just saying "hey, how ya doing" and giving a quick hug on Sundays. THIS is how you truly connect and grow with people. We are always welcoming new folks so don't hesitate to join us on Sundays at 6:00.

Lindsey introduced us to Nicole and we were so happy to meet her and her sweet little Ronin!

Ronin just adored Miss Belinda:

We had a great time sharing encouraging scripture, stories, laughs, prayers, and of course...FOOD!

So without further adieu, here are the recipes of the week!


NO BAKE CLOUD CAKE (so appropriate for this past Memorial Day weekend!)
Contributed by: Nicole

1 box of Twinkies (or you could use Angel Food Cakes for a lighter alternative)
Strawberry glaze (found in the produce section)
Whipped cream
Strawberries
Blueberries

Layer a 9x13" casserole dish with the Twinkies. Spread the strawberry glaze on top as the next layer. Lastly, layer the whipped cream on top, decorate with fruit, and enjoy!


BALSAMIC BRUSCHETTA
Contributed by: Lindsey

10 roma tomatoes
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 loaf French or Italian bread, sliced
3 tbsp butter
2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped

In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the first set of ingredients above. Mix well with hands until thoroughly combined. Transfer mixture to serving bowl and set aside. Slice bread loaf into 1 inch thick slices. Spread butter on each slice, then place onto a large cookie sheet and sprinkle with fresh oregano. Broil on low heat for approx. 4-5 mins, or until golden brown. Remove toasted bread slices from oven, and serve topped with or alongside bruschetta.


SALTY PRETZEL CARAMEL BROWNIES
Contributed by: Belinda

1 box Betty Crocker fudge brownies (for a 9x13" pan)
2 eggs
1/4 cup water
2/3 cup vegetable oil
3 cups pretzels
1 jar caramel sauce
Coarse sea salt (optional)

Preheat oven to 350F and line a 9x13" dish with parchment paper, or grease with cooking spray. Prepare brownie batter according to package instructions. Pour approx. 1/3rd of the batter into prepared baking pan. Spread until bottom of the pan is evenly coated. Add two even layers of pretzels, covering the entire surface. Carefully spoon remaining batter on top to cover the pretzels. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the brownies comes out clean. Remove and set on a cooling rack to cool. Spoon caramel sauce on top in an even layer (if it's too thick, pour into a small bowl first a microwave for 30 seconds to thin out). Optional: sprinkle top with a few pinches of sea salt. Serve warm, or let cool to room temperature then serve.


FIESTY RANCH DIP
Contributed by: Mallory

1 packet Spicy Ranch Dip (the dry ranch mix)
16 oz tub sour cream (I used light)
1 can Rotel, drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 - 8 oz block cream cheese, softened (it will soften more as it bakes)
Tortilla chips

Preheat oven to 350F. Mix all ingredients. Bake for approx. 30 minutes and stir a few times throughout to mix together the melting cheese and keep top and edges from burning. Serve warm with tortilla chips.

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Tonight, I leave you with two things:

1. A picture of my CAT (that's right, we got a cat), Mimi Whiskerkittens

You also get a bonus picture of my precious new nephew, Trey. Isn't he just the sweetest?

2. The Word of God.
"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.'" Matthew 28:19-20

Lord, thank you for the opportunities we are so graciously and freely afforded to worship and serve you. Make your presence known as we gather each week. We pray that you are glorified and honored through our efforts, and that you would use us according to your will to effectively share the gospel of Jesus Christ. In your name, Amen.