Orange Cake Mix Cookies

Sometimes I need to make a dessert for an event and I have very little time to make anything, especially anything complicated.  Some years ago I found a Cake Mix Cookie recipe in the local newspaper that I turn to when I need something delicious and fast.  They make up quickly, pack well and taste yummy.

I almost always have the three ingredients that are needed for this cookie recipe in my pantry. 

Orange Cake Mix Cookies

The recipe is: 1 box of Orange Supreme Cake Mix, 2 eggs and 1/2 cup of vegetable oil.  Do not use the cake mix instructions.  Merely add the three ingredients together.  The batter will be thick and very moist.  Drop by tablespoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet about two inches apart.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 9 to 10 minutes.  I baked these for 9 minutes because we like them soft in the middle.  A slightly longer time will produce a nice crisp cookie.  This recipe makes about 30 to 33 cookies.

Many cake mix flavors can be used.  Depending upon the cake mix used, other ingredients can be added like chocolate chips, M&Ms, coconut, various nuts, etc.  I have used this for Sunday School outings, welcoming a new neighbor and visits from grandchildren.

Having a reliable easy cookie recipe is a good thing.  God is good!

S.L.U.T.S. Ride Again

On July 3, 2014, the S.L.U.T.S., Southern Ladies Under Tremendous Stress, met again for a road trip. Lillian, Virginia, Anna and Anna's friend Stuart and I piled into Anna's car for our trip to Bell Buckle, Tennessee.  The town is located between Murfreesboro and Shelbyville.  It was a train depot stop in earlier times and although the trains still run the tracks, sadly there are no stops in Bell Buckle anymore.

The town is known now for the many craft and antique shops that line the main street.  We ladies took a morning looking through the many specialty shops.  Everyone looks for their own special treat to take home.  I found a dessert bowl that will help me fill out a set that was left to me by my mother.  The green dishes I collect were freebies in the oatmeal boxes in the fifties.  I almost have a full set for six people now.

Green Sandwich Glass Collection Originally From Oatmeal Boxes

My friend, Anna, gave me a whole bag of old buttons.  The last time she and I visited Bell Buckle, she found out I want them to do a craft project to give as a gift.  I couldn't believe that she was so generous with these beautiful buttons!  Some are decades old and some are younger but I will have a great time sorting through all of them, so lovely in their patinas and patterns.

Antique Buttons For A Craft Project

She has become a friend to one of the shop owners who had given her some white buttons previously, so she took him some collected colored buttons on this visit.  I tease her about how fast she is able to make friends but I secretly wish I was that outgoing sometimes.

We took a break from scouting out our bargains to eat at the Bell Buckle Cafe.  It is what we in Tennessee call a Meat and Three.  The wide selection included many wonderful vegetables which make up the "Three" of Meat and Three.  Good eating!

After another round of shopping we refreshed ourselves at the Bluebird Antiques and Ice Cream Parlor.  We each had an ice cream cone.  Mine was the white chocolate raspberry cone.  Delicious!

We finished our trip to Bell Buckle in time to get back into Smyrna for the Fireworks display that evening.   Our Sunday School Class met in the park to eat, fellowship and watch the fireworks.  What a full, wonderful day.  God is good!

North Dakota Friend

Our friend Sandi moved away to North Dakota about five years ago.  We had not seen her in all this time.  Other than a few phone calls, we had not been in touch often.  So when she called to tell us she was in town for a few days visiting her grandchildren, we jumped at the chance to see her.

Sandi Is Ready for Pizza

She had a list of friends to see.  We had to wait a few days but on Monday, the appointed day, we happily drove to the Sir Pizza restaurant where we had previously agreed to meet.  We used to eat at Sir Pizza years ago when they would run a Buy One, Get One Free Night on Tuesdays.

Sandi was our Sunday school teacher around the time Walter and I were getting engaged.  She was a wonderful encourager of our relationship.  This was 26 years ago!  She and Walter used to tease each other so much that you would swear they were siblings.  After we moved into the house we are in now, she commented that the house had a really good vibe to it.  I always treasured that comment. 

She has settled in to her new North Dakota lifestyle around family members.  She has a brother, a son and his wife and a beautiful granddaughter there.

Walter, Me and Sandi Pause From Our Pizza for a Picture

I don't think Sandi will ever leave her new home, but I hope she gets to visit us again soon!

Side Note:  Sandi's birthday is the day after mine.  This makes us the same age for one entire day!  On my 64th birthday, she called me and we sang the Beatles song, "When I'm Sixty-Four" together.  Good Times!  Also her granddaughter is born on my birthday too!

God is good!