Book Group Treats!

I forgot to mention in my book group post that I made some awesome treats for our monthly meeting.

It was one of our members' birthday, so I made a Cherry Pudding Cake (without the trace of pudding).  It's a recipe I make quite often (originally found in a Weight Watchers magazine).  It's fool proof and YUMMY!

Topping:

1/3 c. all purpose flour

1/3 c. brown sugar

1/2 tsp cinnamon

3tbsps butter, chilled

Cake:

1 package of white cake mix (I used Pillsbury)

3/4 c water

3/4 c applesauce

2 eggs

1 (20oz) can light cherry pie filling

1. Preheat oven to 350.  Prepare 9x13 baking pan with non stick spray.
2. Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and butter in a bowl; mix with pastry blender or fork, until crumbly.  Set aside.
3. With electric mixer on low, beat cake mix, water, applesauce, and eggs in a large bowl for about 30 seconds.  Increase speed to medium and mix for about 2 minutes.  Pour batter into pan; spoon pie filling evenly over top of cake mixture; sprinkle topping mixture over pie filling.  Bake for 35-40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.  Serve warm or at room temperature.

My next treat is from Southern Living -- Loaded Baked Potato Dip.  They recommend serving this with waffle fries (found in the frozen potato aisle), but I knew they wouldn't travel well (nor did I have an oven to prepare them on site), so I served it with "dip" Fritos and veggie Ritz Crackers -- still really good!  This would also be great scooped on a baked potato!!!

1 (2.1 oz) package of fully cooked bacon slices

1 16 oz container of sour cream

2 cups (8oz brick) freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 c of green onions

2 tsp hot sauce or Tabasco

Microwave bacon according to package directions until crisp; drain on paper towels.  Cool 10 minutes; crumble or chop; stir together back and next 4 ingredients.  Cover and chill 1-24 hours before serving.  May be stored in frig for up to 7 days.

(This was the first time I've ever used pre cooked bacon and it worked great --- kept from "stinking" up my kitchen.  But to save money, you can easily fry bacon and prepare it as described.  But not having to clean up was great!)

ENJOY!