Pecan Pie Cake

This recipe is from my friend, Dana. We've worked on lots of events together, and have used this cake as a yummy dessert for a good handful of those events.

1 stick butter
1 butter pecan cake mix (reserve 3/4 c cake mix)
2 c pecans
1 c light brown sugar
2 T water
2 eggs, beaten

Mix together and pour into 9x13 pan. Bake 20 minutes at 325.

Mix together the following (there will be lots of lumps):
2 eggs, beaten
1 c sugar
1 stick butter, very soft
1 c whole milk
1 c light corn syrup

Mix and slowly pour around edges of cake. Bake at 325 for an additional 45 minutes. The cake will be browned (not lightly browned, a deep gplden brown) on top and the center will not jiggle when done. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.

The Best Hot Dog Ever

The last three times I've been to Utah, I've had JDawgs, a small little hot dog stand south of BYU campus. The first time, Carly and Michael (not officially dating at the time) introduced us to the yumminess. The second time, we were driving to Aunt Susan's from Carly and Michael's sealing in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. This last time, while setting up for Kiara and Alan's wedding, Michael went and picked some JDawgs for us (what a good man). Carly just e-mailed me a knock-off of the special sauce, thanks to this blog. Enjoy!

(This is the way Carly ate hers, and we all did the same... the first time and everytime afterwards!)

Hot Dogs (100% beef are the best), grilled
Buns
Banana pepper rings
Mustard
Special Sauce

Squeeze some mustard and special sauce onto bun. Place hot dog in bun, top with banana peppers, and enjoy!

Special Sauce
3/4 c ketchup
3/4 c barbeque sauce
1/4 c honey
1 t apple cider vinegar
1 t soy sauce
1/2 t onion powder

Mix together thoroughly.

Yummiest Corn Chip Dip

You'll never believe how a can of rotel can change a block of cream cheese and vice versa. This is one of the yummiest, easiest chip-dip recipes ever, and when I begged my friend for the recipe and got it, I was amazed at the simplicity. It's quickly become a Mayfield staple.

1 pkg cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 can Rotell
Fritos

Mix together cream cheese and Rotell until thoroughly blended. Chill, serve with Fritos.

Fresh Fruit Pie

I use this recipe for all my fresh fruit pies - strawberry, peach, blackberry, etc. Just match the gelatin flavor to the fruit.

1 9-in pie crust, baked and cooled
3 c water
1 c sugar
1 pkg fruit-flavored gelatin
3 T Cornstarch
4 cups fruit, prepared (sliced, etc.)

In a medium saucepan, bring water and sugar to a boil. Mix cornstarch and gelatin together; gradually add to the boiling mixture. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly for 5 minutes or until mixture is clear and thickened slightly; remove from heat. Let stand at room temperature until cool and thickened like a heavy syrup. (Or refrigerate stirring often so it doesn't set up too much.) Pour over fresh fruit and fold together gently. Mound mixture in baked pie shell. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving. Top with a dollop whipped cream or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.