Italian Dressing Mix

What happens when you need an Italian Dressing Mix and there's none to be found and you can't/won't run to the store? If you're like me you turn to allrecipes and make one yourself. I was surprised how easy and yummy it was. Next on my list is homemade Ranch dressing--did you know the majority of store-bought Ranch dressing and the mixes contain MSG? No bueno if you ask me!

Italian Dressing Mix

INGREDIENTS:
1 tablespoon garlic salt
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon white sugar
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
2 tablespoons salt

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic salt, onion powder, sugar, oregano, pepper, thyme, basil, parsley, celery salt and regular salt. Store in a tightly sealed container.
2. To prepare dressing, whisk together 1/4 cup white vinegar, 2/3 cup canola oil, 2 tablespoons water and 2 tablespoons of the dry mix.

Oatmeal Carmelitas

Somehow I found this blog. Not sure how. But I am grateful. Very grateful. Because I discovered these. And they are wonderful. Enjoy! 

Oatmeal Carmelitas

2 cups quick oats

1 3/4 cup flour

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

Mix the above dry ingredients.

 Add: 1 1/4 cups melted butter.

Stir until crumbs are the size of corn. Press 2/3 of mixture in the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and spoon on 1 1/4 cups of Carmel sauce. (make your own--1 bag caramels melted with 2/3 cup milk, or use jarred Mrs. Richardson's Butterscotch Caramel topping) Sprinkle on 2-2 1/2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet). Sprinkle remaining oat mixture over the top and return to the oven for 18 more minutes.

Words from the blogger: Remove from oven and be careful!!! You will want to grab a spoon and sample. I have spent many a days over the past twelve weeks with a burned mouth due to my inability to be patient :) You can quicken the cooling process in the refrigerator. Otherwise they will take several hours to set making them able to be served without falling apart. But I can promise you if you are a fan of ice cream, caramel, and chocolate, let them fall into the same bowl together. You won't be disappointed! Here's to a season of happy reunions with family and friends!