Turtles, a favorite family recipe for the Pot Luck party for our Quilt Guild

Turtles are a favorite family recipe here.  They have similar ingredients to the candy, chocolate, caramel and nuts.  This is how I make them:

First you gather all the ingredients.  Then you mix the German chocolate cake mix with 2/3 cup EVAPORATED milk-not condensed milk. 

Spread it in a 9 X 13 inch cake pan with STRAIGHT SIDES.  Some glass pans have sort of smooth, roundish sides, you don't want that.  I use this pan that my MIL got for my birthday one year.  You can get them personalized at the flea market.  Love that pan for a pot luck, you know people we be able to get it back to you.  Instead of the usual pot luck dish confusion.

Put 1/2 of the cake mix in the pan and cook for 6 minutes in a 300 degree oven.  Let is cool completely. 

Meanwhile, melt the caramels in a double broiler.  I tried a new caramel, Werther's I like it better than Kraft. 

Poor over the cooled cake.  Make sure you don't let it seep around the edges.  This is where the value of the straight edge pan comes in. 

Add 1 1/2 cup pecan pieces and 12 oz of semi sweet chocolate chips.  Then I tried this seasoning, lemon, lavender and pepper, which I sprinkled lightly over this layer.  I really like this addition of a little savory to the mix, especially with the hint of lavender....yum!!

Next add the second half of the cake mix on top and bake for 18 to 20 minutes at 350 degrees. 

I know it's the most difficult part of the process, but, DO NOT CUT UNTIL 24 HOURS LATER!!
 

Mason Jar Lid Quilt Decorations-Pin Cushions

Quilters are a thrifty bunch.  In the beginning we were the recyclers of worn clothing, making precious dresses or worn shirts into practical, if not beautiful coverings for beds.  Now, the fabric choices of new material is so tempting we can boast closets full in most every hue and pattern.  Ah well, it never goes bad on the shelf, we'll get around to using it...smile.

Most of us have a few blocks we haven't used and a recipe we'd like to share with our quilting friends this season.  Here is mine for an inexpensive gift for you to make a pin cushion covered Mason Jar Lid.  After you've drank the Chai Tea mix, it can then be used for a sewing notions accessory for your bedside or TV chair, or wherever you do your hand work.  

Chai Tea Mix/Spiced Tea Mix

1/2 Cup Instant Tea

1/2 Cup Nonfat Dry Milk

1/8th teaspoon black pepper

1/4 Cup powdered coffee creamer

1/2 Cup white or brown sugar

1 Tablespoon vanilla pudding mix

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon cardomon

Whisk all together in a resealable container. 

 I had some 1 quart Mason Jars around the house, so I'm using what I have.  The recipe has to be doubled to get this size jar as full as the picture shows.  If you are buying new jars, the pint size jars would probably hold this original recipe amount better.  But, for use later as a notions holder, you might want the quart size.  

To prepare:  Combine 3 Tablespoon Chai Tea mix with 1 Cup boiling water

Stir well to dissolve.  

Enjoy!

To make the pin cushion: use your batting bits and cut a circle about 7 inches; put a wad of stuffing in the center and sew around the edges, bringing together into the center.  Use a block of fabric you never put in a quilt and cover the pod of stuffing.  Sew around the edges of the fabric bringing it to the center, covering the pod/cushion for the pins.  Glue to the lid of the Mason Jar and decorate with any leftover lace or trim you might have in your closet.