WEEK FIVE: ATTACK OF THE BEAN POT

First of all, let me start off by wishing everyone a safe and happy 4th of July!! I'm so thankful to live in a country where I'm free to live and worship and extra thankful this weekend for those who live and die fighting for our freedoms each day.

Also, there are some congratulations that are in order:

First, we would like to say congrats to Caroline and her family on the birth of her little one. Welcome to the world Brody Ryan!!

Secondly, I would like to officially welcome Julie and her family to our church!! We are so blessed to have your family join us and look forward to serving the Lord alongside you!

Brother Bruce praying over the family as they officially become members of FHBC

We had a great time, as usual, with this awesome group. We are taking a break over the next couple of weeks from "ministry projects", but are super excited about our next two projects, which will be happening July 13th & 20th, so be sure and check back for updates!

Brandi and Julie talking about something serious ;)

Lindsey and Belinda talking about something not-so-serious ;)

Cheese! L to R: Brandi, Laura, Julie

Pretty ladies! L to R: Lindsey and Belinda

If you notice, we have two "bean pots" (the red and brown dishes with the covers on them). Lindsey and Belinda BOTH decided to make chocolate lava cake in their bean pots, which means that they can cook it in the microwave! (Recipe below) That's a first for 'Tis So Sweet...two of the same recipe!!

Digging in!!

I realized after we had eaten and cleaned up that I forgot to get a group shot and at this point, Laura had already left (sorry Laura!!) L to R: Belinda, Julie, Lindsey & Brandi

Now here are the recipes of the week!

THE EVER-SO-POPULAR "BEAN POT" LAVA CAKE

Contributed by: Lindsey & Belinda

1 box Betty Crocker Supermoist Milk Chocolate Cake Mix (or Devil's Food Cake Mix will work too)

3 large eggs

1 cup water

1/2 cup vegetable oil (or 1 1/3 cup if using Devil's Food Cake Mix)

1 container milk chocolate frosting

Mix all ingredients but frosting together well in a large bowl. Beat at medium speed for approx. 2 minutes. Pour batter into bean pot then spoon icing on top inside bean pot. Put lid on and microwave on high 10-12 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream (optional).

CUCUMBER AND TOMATO SALAD

Contributed by: Brandi

*Approximate measurements to taste

Cucumbers

Tomatoes

Red onion

Italian dressing

Salt and pepper

Chop vegetables and mix together well with dressing, salt and pepper. Chill in refrigerator to let flavors set in. Serve chilled or room temp.

CREAM CHEESE CRESCENTS

Contributed by: Laura

2 cans of Pillbury crescent rolls

2 - 8 oz blocks of cream cheese, softened

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup butter, melted

Cinnamon

Sugar

Preheat oven to 350F. Unroll and spread 1 can of crescent rolls in the bottom of a 9x13 in. baking dish. Combined cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and vanilla. Spread over crescent roll layer. Unroll the other can of crescent rolls and layer over the cream cheese layer. Melt the butter and pour over the crescent roll. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Bake 20-30 minutes on 350 until bubbly and slightly brown. 

PEPPER JELLY DIP

Contributed by: Mallory (borrowed from Mindy)

1 jar pepper jelly (I used red)

1 - 8 oz block cream cheese, softened

1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese

1 egg

Bacon bits

Chips or crackers for serving

Preheat oven to 350F. Mix half jar of pepper jelly with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and egg. Bake at 350F for 20 minutes (I like to stir it up about halfway through to mix the cheddar cheese in). Let it set for approx. 5 minutes then top with remaining pepper jelly and bacon bits. Serve warm.

DUMP POUND CAKE

Contributed by: Julie

4 cups all purpose flour

3 cups sugar

1 lb butter (room temp)

6 eggs

3/4 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 325F. Mix all ingredients together and bake in a greased bundt pan on 325 for 90 minutes.

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Tonight, I leave you with two things:

1. The sweetest picture of my niece holding my new nephew. Aren't they just the cutest?

2. The Word of God.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." James 1:2-3

Thank you Lord for your many blessings, and thank you that in the midst of our trials and temptations, you are there with us through it all. And that from it, comes perseverance, as your Word so graciously promises. We love you and praise you through the storms and in our weakest moments. Thank you for never leaving nor forsaking us. In your name, Amen.