Amanda's Sweet Potato Rolls

My sister-in-law, Amanda, always makes sweet potato rolls for Thanksgiving and she kindly provided me with the recipe for when I'm feeding a large group of church folk. They received many compliments this week :)

2 cups sweet potatoes, mashed
2 cups syrup from can, if not enough syrup, use milk- warmed
3/4 cup sugar
3 Tbs yeast
2 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter
4 eggs
9-11 cups flour

Proof the yeast in the warmed juice/milk, and some of the sugar. While proofing, mix remaining ingredients together in order given, excluding flour. Mix well before adding yeast mixture. Add just enough flour to make
soft dough.  Knead on floured surface until the right consistency. Cover and let rise until double (about 60-90 minutes). Punch down, and make into rolls and let rise again for 30 mins. Bake at 350 15-20 minutes.

Makes 65 rolls.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

I'm doing some cooking for church stuff over the next few weeks, which is perfect for keeping me busy while I wait out the last stretch before the arrival of our oldest son (yes! that's right. we have a travel date!!!) and also because I love serving in this way :) One of my go-to desserts for such events are these bars. They're always a hit! You know it's going to be good when the first ingredient is 1 c butter :)

1 c butter
1 1/4 c brown sugar
2 eggs
2 T molasses or maple syrup
2 t vanilla
3 c oats
1 c flour
1 t baking soda
3/4 t salt
2 c chocolate chips

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, beating after each. Add molasses and vanilla. Combine remaining ingredients, except chips, and add gradually to the butter mixture. Stir in chocolate chips.

Spread into greased 9 x 13 pan and bake 25-30 min at 350.

Favorite Chicken Salad

One of our favorite spring/summer dishes is chicken salad. We scoop it up with thin wheat crackers instead of serving it on bread. SO good!

2 cooked, shredded chicken breasts
1/4 onion, chopped
3/4 c red or green grapes, halfed
1/3 c almonds, chopped or slivered
2 T mayonaise
2 t dijon mustard
1 T white wine vinegar
pepper to taste

Combine first 4 ingredients in large bowl. Mix remaining ingredients in smaller bowl and then pour dressing over chicken mixture. Stir until covered.

Serve cold with thin wheat crackers.