Planning Ahead-Grocery Trip To Sam's Club

I had to run to Sam's Club this morning after I dropped my youngest son off at school. It's our turn to host the Teen devo after Sunday evening church service. I always check price per unit there against regular sizes of items at the grocery store, but when I have to buy large quantities of corn chips and cheese it's a better buy. I found out yesterday that I had two funerals to cook for this week, so it altered my plans. I originally was going on Thursday, and I refuse to go to the store on Friday or Saturday if I can avoid it. So, today's the day!
Here's what I've decided to serve the "Ipod Crowd" at devo: chili, chips and cheese; vegetable tray with ranch dip; Texas sheet cake; lemonade and iced tea. I'm glad that this Sunday is the start of Daylight Savings Time. We'll have more day time left after evening church, and my husband can wear them down on the driveway/basketball court while I get the food ready. Teenagers need to run off some of that excess energy after sitting in sermon mode! Here are a couple of recipes in case you're interested.


Ranch Veggie Dip
2 pkgs. 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 8 oz. sour cream
1 pkg Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
With electric mixer, mix first two ingredients until smooth. Add dressing mix (with spoon) and mix until combined. Chill several hours. Serve with assorted vegetables or rippled chips.



Texas Sheet Cake (Johnny Hoosier Cake)

2 C flour
2 C sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 TBSP cocoa (Hershey's)
On stove, in heavy pan, melt 2 sticks butter or margarine; add cocoa and 1 C water. Bring to a boil. Add above dry ingredients. Then add: 1/2 C buttermilk, 2 eggs and 1 tsp vanilla. Pour into greased and floured sheet cake pan with edges. Bake at 350 degrees for approx. 10 min.

Icing:
On stove in heavy pan, melt 1 stick margarine or butter. Add 4 TBSP cocoa (more or less, depending on how dark you like your chocolate icing. When combined and starting to bubble, add 6 TBSP buttermilk. Cook til it starts to bubble. With electric mixer beat in 1 lb. confectioners sugar until glossy and icing consistency. Add 1 tsp vanilla and chopped nuts (optional) at the end. Pour icing over hot cake.
Personal note: My mother-in-law, Louise, was kind enough to pass this along when I was dating her son. It has been a family favorite, and has been the star of many birthday events. I love this cake with bananas chopped on top of my piece, but my husband says that's just gross! Try it and let me know. I would love to let him know that other folks like it that way, too.