Kennywood Carmelitas

What a great day Lydia and I had yesterday at the park with a wonderful family. I'm trying to figure out how long I've been going and it seems that its been since 1996 or so. I don't even know how I got included...probably invited myself :)but its a joy every year.

That's my friend Jessica (on left) and her sister-in-law Patti (on right) with me up there waiting in a LOOOOONG line for some crazy spinning roller coaster that I knew would make me sick but Lydia wouldn't go on it without me (then she didn't even want to ride with me go figure). We all have daughters the same age....Lily, Grace, and Lydia...aren't those the prettiest names ever? I love old fashioned names. They've been palling around since invitro, meant to be friends always.

A little bit sleepy today but lots to do. Here is the Carmelita recipe I've been bringing to Kennywood Park since the beginning. Make these trust me. I think these are one of the reasons I'm invited back every year. Have a happy sunny day! xoxo

Kennywood Carmelitas

Crust:

2 Cups Flour

2 Cups Whole Oats

1 1/2 Cups Packed Brown Sugar

1 tsp Baking Soda

1/2 tsp Salt

1 1/4 CUPS (not sticks...like I always think) Butter ~ softened

Filling:

1 Jar Caramel Ice Cream Topping

3 TBSP Flour

1 16 oz Package Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips

1/2 Cup Chopped Nuts (I use walnuts)

Heat oven 350 degrees and spray 13" x 9" pan with non-stick spray.

In large bowl, blend all crust ingredients with fork until crumbly. Press half mixture into bottom of the prepared pan and bake 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine caramel topping and 3 tbsp flour. Set aside.

When crust is done, sprinkle while warm with chocolate chips and nuts. Pour caramel topping over evenly and then top with remaining crust mixture. Bake an additional 18 - 22 minutes. Let cool before cutting (unlike what I did below...couldn't help myself)

You want a bite don't you?