Summer Fun 2016: If Life Gives You Lemons . . .

In truth, we used a mix to make the lemonade for our lemonade stand.  But we did put slices of lemon in each glass we sold.  And Bud offered a special sugar rim, which only the under-10 set wanted!

Yes, we had our annual summer lemonade stand.  Bud wanted to raise money for causes that support people with Autism, and so we raised funds for a local parent group that aids teachers, parents, and children.

It was the hottest day so far, about 90F at 4 pm.  And the kids sold $76 worth of lemonade, chocolate chunk bars, and cherry jam oatmeal bars.  Many of our neighbors came out and several friends from around town.  Even some strangers--one remarked that, at a dollar a cup, prices had gone up!  Well, it was a fundraiser.

And fun.  It was lots of fun.

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Chocolate Chunk Oat Bars

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 ½ cups uncooked old-fashioned oats
1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks or chips, divided

Preheat the oven to 375F. Lightly grease a 9” square baking pan.

Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. Beat the sugar and butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until creamy. Add the egg, water, and vanilla; beat until well blended.

Stir in the flour mixture and oats; mix well. Stir in ½ cup chocolate chunks. Spread the dough in the pan with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle wit the remaining ½ cup chocolate chunks.

Bake for about 30 minutes or just until the center feels firm. Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

Sesame Street Yummy Cookies: Baking with Kids


Oatmeal Jam Bars

1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup quick-cooking oats
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ cup butter
1-10 oz. jar of preserve

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and baking soda.  Cut in butter til mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Reserve ½ cup of the flour mixture.  Press remaining flour mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan.  Spread with desired filling.  Sprinkle with reserved flour mixture.

Bake in 350°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes or til the top is golden.  Cool in the pan on a wire rack.  Cut into bars.

Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook