Raspberry Oatmeal Squares

I first had these raspberry oatmeal squares after Holly brought them to work one day in the fall. I loved them then, but frankly forgot about this recipe until they showed up in Nashville this spring at one of our tennis matches. They went fast!

I knew it would be the perfect thing to make for our end-of-the-season team celebration. Go Team Overserved! Champions again. . . so movin' on up!

Raspberry Oatmeal Squares

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup oatmeal
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup seedless raspberry jam

Directions:
Add jam to a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Set aside.
Combine first five ingredients. Rub in the butter using your hands or a pastry blender to form a crumbly mixture. Press 2 cups of the mixture into the bottom of an 8x8 casserole dish that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Spread the jam to within 1/4 inch of the edge. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top, then lightly press it into the jam.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until lightly browned. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Note: I doubled the recipe and used a 9x13 casserole dish.

A Georgia Southern Graduation

My dear friend's daughter, Natalia, graduated from GSU this past weekend. Unfortunately, I couldn't make the ceremony; however, I sure was there in spirit! Damaris and I had more fun planning the graduation festivities!

The planning began just like Keely's UT graduation party I hosted several years ago. That is, we first brainstormed for foods that matched either the school colors or food items that could easily be re-named GSU-style. For starters, party-goers could have GSU Guacamole or even Georgia Southern Salsa served with Go Big Blue & White Chips.

For the cheese platter, rolled slices looked like diplomas, turning them into Commencement Cheese. Since GSU's mascot is an eagle named Gus, deviled eggs became Eagle Eggs and a bowl of sunflower seeds became Gus' Feed.

For savory items, party-goers could choose GA Southern Chicken & Cornbread Salad or even Milestone Meatballs. No chicken wings served here. . . as you guessed it, they became Eagle Wings.

Italian beef sandwiches were re-named Boro Beef Sandwiches. (Why? Well, GSU is in Statesboro.)

Not surprisingly, there was no shortage of foods to satisfy one's sweet tooth. Damaris' long time friend Anita makes the best thumb print cookies - "You're one smart cookie!"

A bowl of Smarties candy came with the message, "Good luck Smartie pants (not like you need it)." How about Diploma Cookies (wafer rolled cookies) or True Blue Cupcakes?

A healthier option was provided, too: Freedom Fruit, or skewers of pineapple, blueberries, and mini marshmallows.

I must say my personal favorite was Freedom's Flight Cookies. These little guys were just too cute displayed in their nest.

Perhaps the crowd favorite was Southern Pride Popcorn. This recipe is so versatile! It's Keely's Christmas Crunch just modified with blue and gold variations. It's even the same recipe I used for Buffy's baby shower as well as Hayley's baby shower.

Now for the drinks. Of course, any Southern event must have sweet tea. Since one of GSU's well-known landmarks is Sweetheart Circle, we just re-named this beverage Sweetheart Circle Tea. There was lemonade punch, too. We called it Southern Pride Punch.

Since Pineapple Fanta matched the color scheme so perfectly, it made the list as Soaring Eagle Soda. You could even find bottled water cleverly tagged as Class of H2014.

For the party favors, we just made a variation of the Easter s'mores I used for my sister's 50th birthday party. I'll never look at Peeps the same way again. From here on out, these are Baby Gus!

"Wasn't it just yesterday? Wishing you s'more years of love, laughter, and learning. Happy Graduation!" My sentiments exactly.

Congrats again, Natalia! So very proud of you! :)

Milk Punch

I first heard about milk punch last fall from some of my new tennis buddies. This group of ladies sure know how to host visiting opponents. I knew we were kindred spirits as soon as I saw such a beautiful spread even for just a simple round of tennis. Southern hosts that we are, our opponents are offered fruit as well as a variety of salty and sweet treats, beautifully displayed and accented with some kind of seasonal flower arrangement.

We also provide cold drinks, including a "special drink." (Remember our team name? Over Served!) Today's special drink was milk punch. Our team captain, Margaret Ann, tells me, "It's an Ole Miss thing." In fact, last year Ole Miss won the SEC tailgating experience. Now my family and friends know my blood runneth orange, but hey, let's give credit where credit is due. We can all learn a thing or two about tailgating from the Rebels. (Hey, wait a minute. I'm a Rebel, too! Er, West High Rebel that is.)

Milk punch sure did live up to its hype. I really liked the slushy texture. I can see this becoming a new tailgating tradition in my family, too. Hmmm. I can also see this becoming a new Christmas Eve tradition. Or shoot, why not Mom's upcoming Mother's Day brunch? I can already see the twinkle in her eye. ;)

Milk Punch

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon whole milk
• 1 box powdered sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons vanilla
• 1 fifth bourbon
• ground nutmeg (optional)

Directions:
Mix together the milk, sugar, and vanilla. Add bourbon. Chill or put in freezer overnight and serve partially frozen. Optional: sprinkle each serving with nutmeg. Serves 32 (6 oz) cups.