Lemon Bars

These lemon bars are an old-fashioned favorite! It had been years since I had eaten these, remembering them from family reunions and church potlucks. Just as easy as using one of those mixes and so tasty! The crust is a delicious crisp shortbread-like texture and the ooey-gooey lemon bar will hit all your taste buds at the same time! Rich, sweet, and sour...these are not just ordinary cookies! These will become one of your family's favorites.

Lemon Bars

Yield: 2 dozen   *   Prep Time: 15 minutes   *   Bake Time 55 to 60 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• ½ cup sifted powdered sugar
• ¾ cup butter
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cups sugar
• ½ tsp grated lemon rind
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• Powdered sugar

Directions

1. Combine 2 cups flour and ½ cup powdered sugar; cut in butter with a pastry blender until crumbly. Spoon mixture into a greased 13x9-inch pan, press firmly and evenly into pan, using fingertips.
2. Bake at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or until crust is lightly browned.
3. Combine remaining ½ cup flour and baking powder, set aside. Combine eggs, 2 cups sugar, lemon rind and lemon juice, stir in flour mixture. Pour over prepared crust.
4. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until lightly browned and set. Cool on a wire rack. Dust lightly with powdered sugar, cut into bars.

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Muscadine / Grapevine Wreaths

Now that the late summer grapes are long gone, their jams stored in my pantry and cupboard, it's November and the mighty muscadine leaves have started turning yellow. Those marvelous muscadine vines can continue to provide even without its precious fruits. 

I knew one could make wreaths out of grapevines, I just needed to finally get out there and try! (And you know what happens when you try?!) My trusty clippers and I trimmed up the muscadine vine that grows around my porch swing. You simply twist them around into shape then add more vine, continually wrapping and tucking the ends back into the structure of the wreath!

It was so easy! And a perfect way to spend some time outside in our hot South Georgia afternoons & evenings of November.

The one shown here hanging on my swing is about 30" in diameter. I found all sizes of grapevine wreaths for sale online with an 18-inch wreath for $6 at JoAnn's up to a decorated moderate size wreath at Pottery Barn for $89! If you would like to buy a grapevine leaf from Ramsey Farms, I'll make you a great deal! :)

I made a smaller wreath that is hanging on the door to my bedroom. You can also make wreaths from honeysuckle or other vines as well. However, I would advise you to avoid the thorns! I did attempt a honeysuckle vine wreath but it is not as sturdy as the robust muscadine / grape vine and would not hold its shape very well.

"Do what you can with what you have where you are," is a famous quote by Teddy Roosevelt. I think that in not just making wreaths from vines, but in life contentment can be found by doing what we can with what we have right where we are. It's isn't about going out and buying up the latest and greatest things,buying a bigger prettier house, spending money on trendy new clothes and hairstyles, driving fancy new cars, or going into debt for the holidays or a vacation. Valuing the wrong things can lead to very disillusioned lives. The best life can be found in ordinary moments of simplicity. Slow down! You'll miss those moments if you're racing through life. Take the time to create something this week using what you have where you are.

Cheers!
Ramsey