Fall Has Arrived!

I'm so glad to say that Fall is here! It's time for pumpkins, college football and mums!   I love this time of year!

Did I mention College football...!!  Love it!

My Son's Favorite Chocolate Cookie Dessert-No Baking!

Yesterday was our oldest son's birthday, so I thought I would share his favorite birthday dessert.  It is made with creme-filled chocolate cookies and has beautiful layers if you make it in a glass casserole dish or trifle bowl for a party.  This is a great make- ahead dessert, ready to pull out of the fridge when you need it!  I like to put the top layer of whipped topping and dot it with Oreos right before serving.

Here's the first layer:  melt 3/4 stick of margarine (or butter!) and toss with Oreo cookie crumbs (about 2 rows of cookies).  Press down with a fork or back of a spoon to form a crust.  Refrigerate.

2nd layer:  beat 1 (8 oz.) package of cream cheese, 1/4 c powdered sugar and about 1 1/2 C of Cool Whip in a bowl until smooth.  Spread on top of crumb crust in an even layer.

3rd layer:  make a large box of  chocolate  instant pudding according to the box directions (I use 2 1/2 C milk instead of 3 C).  Spread in an even layer on top of the cream cheese layer.  Cover with clear plastic wrap and chill for a couple of hours.  When ready to serve, top with a layer of Cool Whip and stick Oreo cookies halfway down in the top of dessert.  Enjoy!

Happy Birthday, Justin!

Traditional Scots Recipes Book-1922

I treated myself to a,"book dive" at a local thrift store yesterday and was not disappointed!  There in the section of history books was this great old cookbook of traditional recipes from Scotland! Many of the recipes refer to cooking items and methods that are foreign to me (a "knob" of butter), but the way the recipes are written is so enjoyable.  I could almost hear the recipes in the voice of Mrs. Hughes, the housekeeper from Downton Abby!  

And, I must share some of the pen and ink bookplates!  

I hope some of you  Downton fans are reading my post this week!  Go look for this book!  It's by Janet Murray and the publisher was Bramhall House.