The other day I shared the recipe for Ooey Gooey Cookies that I had for the first time when my sister in law’s mother was visiting. During that same visit I experienced “dump cake” for the first time. I was an instant fan! This Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that combines the sweetness of pineapple and cherries with a buttery cake topping. It’s easy to make and perfect for gatherings!
this picture is from the Food Network website
Ingredients
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple (undrained)
1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
1 box (18.25 oz) yellow cake mix
12 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks), cut into thin slices
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Layer the Fruit: Pour the crushed pineapple (with juice) into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the pineapple.
Add Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the fruit layers. Do not stir; just spread it out evenly.
Top with Butter: Distribute the sliced butter evenly over the top of the cake mix.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Allow to cool for about 15 minutes before serving warm. This dump cake is delicious on its own or served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Dump cakes are incredibly versatile and can be made using a variety of ingredients. Here are some popular dump cake variations you can try:
Peach Dump Cake: Use canned peaches and a yellow cake mix for a simple, fruity dessert. (this is one of my favorites!)
Blueberry Dump Cake: Mix blueberry pie filling with a lemon cake mix for a refreshing twist.
Apple Dump Cake: Combine apple pie filling with a spice cake mix for a warm, comforting dessert.
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake: Use cherry pie filling topped with chocolate cake mix for a rich, indulgent treat.
Strawberry Shortcake Dump Cake: Layer strawberry pie filling with an angel food cake mix for a light, fruity dessert.
Lemon Dump Cake: Combine lemon pie filling with yellow cake mix for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake: Mix apple pie filling with caramel sauce and top with a yellow cake mix for a decadent dessert.
Funfetti Dump Cake: Use funfetti cake mix with any fruit filling for a festive twist suitable for birthdays or celebrations.
Sweet Potato Dump Cake: Incorporate sweet potato puree and spices with a yellow or spice cake mix for a fall-inspired dessert (I’m planning on making this one for Christmas this year).
These variations allow you to customize your dump cake based on seasonal fruits or your personal preferences, making it easy to create something new and delicious every time!
Several years ago, I had a version of these cookies while my sister-in-law’s mother was visiting for Christmas. They left such an impression that I’ve thought about them often ever since. Recently, I decided to track down the recipe and give it a try.
Trust me, if you make these Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, you’re going to have a hard time resisting them. They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with a rich buttery flavor that makes them absolutely irresistible. Perfect for any occasion, they’re the kind of treat that disappears as soon as they hit the plate.
I found this recipe on the Betty Crocker site and wanted to share it with you. I’ve included the link to their recipe and video guide below—happy baking! And don’t say I didn’t warn you—they’re dangerously good!
Ingredients
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ Yellow Cake Mix
1-2 cups powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Use an electric mixer to beat until smooth. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well blended.
Add Cake Mix: Gradually stir in the yellow cake mix until fully combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step makes it easier to handle.
Form Cookie Balls: Once chilled, scoop out small portions of the dough and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
Coat in Powdered Sugar: Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Bake: Place the cookie balls on ungreased cookie sheets, spaced about 1 inch apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, you can sprinkle more powdered sugar on top before serving.
Tips
For variations, consider using different cake mixes like chocolate or lemon.
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days (there is no way these cookies are still going to be around three days later. 😉)
Enjoy these delicious gooey butter cookies that are sure to be a hit with family and friends!
I love cranberry sauce! This is tangy and sweet dip that’s perfect for holiday parties.
Ingredients:
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (15 ounce) can cranberry sauce
1 teaspoon grated orange zest (optional)
1 tablespoon orange juice (optional)
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper. For a sweeter dip, add a bit of orange zest or a splash of orange juice. Beat until smooth.
Fold in cranberry sauce: Gently fold in the cranberry sauce until combined.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend.
Serve: Serve with your favorite crackers, vegetables, or chips.
I’m in the mood for holiday food. Over the next few days I am going to be sharing some holiday recipes. I love gingerbread cookies! These classic gingerbread cookies are perfect for decorating and gifting during the holidays.
Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup molasses
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
Royal icing (for decorating)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or foil.
Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the molasses.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until1 just combined.
Roll and cut: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate: Once cooled, decorate the cookies with royal icing and sprinkles.
Royal Icing:
3 cups powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons meringue powder*
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5-6 tablespoons water
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and beat with a mixer until smooth and spreadable.
*If you need a substitute for meringue powder, you can use an equal amount of reconstituted egg white powder mixed with water, a slightly smaller amount of aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas), or a gelatin mixture made with warm water and gelatin powder – just be sure to adjust the liquid content accordingly depending on the substitute you choose.
Enjoy these festive treats with a cup of hot cocoa, glass of milk, coffee, or tea!
For the last several months I have been talking about my experience growing up in the Independent Fundamentalists Baptist (IFB) Movement. Since leaving the IFB, I have challenged myself to learn, grow, and change. I have learned so much about myself and the world around me. I still have a long way to go, but I value the progress I’ve made. I don’t plan to continuously write about this topic forever; I plan to move on to writing about other subjects soon. I have a few more IFB related topics I would like to discuss before I move on. I’ve pushed off these last few topics because they are more sensitive and have taken me a bit longer to think through and write about.
Today, I want to delve into the topic of family enmeshment, specifically within the context of fundamentalism and high control religious communities. I’ll be coming at this topic from the perspective of how I perceived this phenomenon manifested itself within the IFB, a high-control religious community. This phenomenon takes on a unique character in environments where strong beliefs and organized practices heavily influence the dynamics within a family. My aim is to shed light on how family enmeshment unfolds in these religious contexts, influencing individual autonomy, emotional well-being, and the broader dynamics within families. Recognizing these subtleties is pivotal for creating awareness and initiating conversations about cultivating healthier family dynamics within the framework of fundamentalist and high-control religious communities. (See references and resources below for more information)
Before we delve into the discussion on family enmeshment and its connection to the IFB, it’s essential to clarify that my intention is not to assign blame or critique specific families. Rather, the focus is on exploring how high-control religious groups, such as the IFB, and high-control religious communities, may inadvertently encourage and foster enmeshment within their unique frameworks. The aim is to shed light on broader patterns and dynamics rather than making individual judgments. I’m approaching this topic recognizing the complexity of familial relationships within the context of such religious communities.
Being a part of a loving family is truly amazing. What I love the most about my family is the warmth of our welcoming home, the comfort of knowing I’m never alone, and the assurance that I have a place where I’m accepted for who I am. I enjoy the sense of belonging, shared laughter, and knowing that I have support for difficulties and someone to share my success with. It’s a reminder that in a world of constant change, I have a place of love and acceptance, and that is priceless.
But, what happens if the family experience becomes overwhelming and suffocating?!
Family enmeshment, a complex issue, described as a dysfunctional family dynamic where boundaries among family members are either blurred or nonexistent. This condition can lead to excessive involvement in each other’s lives, resulting in challenges such as diminished personal autonomy, emotional entanglement, and difficulties in forming healthy external relationships.
Think of it like this: enmeshment within a family is like a tightly knit sweater, where each thread is so closely intertwined that it’s hard to distinguish one from the other. The boundaries between family members blur, much like the threads in the fabric, making it challenging for each individual to maintain a clear sense of personal space and identity. This close weaving can restrict freedom and autonomy, creating difficulties in establishing healthy relationships beyond the familial knit.
If there’s a pull in the sweater of the familial knit, it represents a tension or imbalance within the intricate fabric of relationships. Just as a pulled thread disrupts the smooth continuity of a sweater, tensions in an enmeshed family can strain the cohesion and harmony. This pull might signify a conflict, a desire for individual space, or a struggle for autonomy within the tightly woven connections. Addressing the pull requires delicacy and care, much like repairing a snag in a knit sweater, as it involves understanding and re-establishing healthy boundaries to maintain the overall integrity of the familial fabric.
Enmeshed families find it hard to establish a clear sense of personal identity and independence, as their lives are deeply intertwined. Emotional boundaries become hazy, making it difficult to differentiate one’s emotions from those of other family members. Consequently, individuals may feel responsible for one another’s feelings, which can be emotionally burdensome. Enmeshment can hinder the development of healthy relationships beyond the family unit, as individuals may carry these patterns into other aspects of their lives. These ingrained enmeshment patterns can extend their influence, affecting various facets of individuals’ lives. Carrying the dynamics of blurred boundaries and over-involvement, individuals may find it challenging to establish and maintain healthy relationships in other areas, such as friendships, romantic partnerships, or professional settings. The difficulty lies in navigating personal space, emotional autonomy, and clear communication, which are important components of balanced and thriving connections.
Within the context of fundamentalism and high control religious communities and more specifically in my case the IFB community, family enmeshment can be a prevalent and concerning issue. In this tightly-knit religious environment, where conformity and adherence to strict doctrines are highly valued, families often find themselves deeply interconnected.
The IFB community often views itself as more than just a religious organization; it sees itself as the “family of God.” In this perspective, the bonds that unite its members go beyond faith; they create a sense of unity, community, and belonging. This familial connection is nurtured through shared beliefs, worship, and a strong support system. The IFB’s “family of God” approach emphasizes the idea that God is the father and members are not just fellow congregants but brothers and sisters in faith. This can create a tight-knit community that supports one another through life’s challenges and celebrates together in times of joy. As a result, families struggling with enmeshment may see the IFB as a natural extension of their existing dynamics, making it effortless to fall into this enmeshed pattern.
But, what happens if this family of God experience becomes overwhelming and suffocating?!
The IFB’s emphasis on community and shared beliefs can contribute to emotional enmeshment within the community. The pressure to conform to a specific religious doctrine can create a shared identity that is deeply ingrained in every family member. As a result, personal autonomy may be stifled, making it challenging for individual members to explore their own beliefs or make choices that deviate from the family’s religious norms.
Members within the IFB community are often expected to prioritize their faith and church involvement above all else. This can lead to a lack of boundaries when it comes to members’ participation in each other’s religious, social, and personal lives. For example, individuals may find their personal decisions, such as matters of faith or lifestyle choices, subject to scrutiny or influence from fellow community members. This lack of delineation between personal and communal spheres can contribute to an environment where individual autonomy is compromised, and the collective expectations of the religious community play a substantial role in shaping members’ choices and actions. Another example is when IFB parents of grown children exert considerable influence over their children’s personal and spiritual decisions, and children feel obligated to adhere to their parents’ religious beliefs even if they have doubts or differing beliefs.
A family entrenched in enmeshment often faces deep connections, where personal boundaries blur, emphasizing shared choices and feelings. This dynamic extends into their religious community, where participation in the ‘family of God’ complicates the distinction between personal and collective influence. This enmeshment makes the family receptive to the IFB’s guidance, support, and a sense of belonging. Yet, challenges arise as the lines between personal freedom and collective decision-making blur.
The IFB community, valuing a unified approach to faith, can naturally become privy to the personal choices of its members. This interconnectedness can lead the community to offer advice or have a say in various aspects of a family’s life, whether it’s about parenting, career paths, or even personal decisions and beliefs.
The close ties within IFB families can also impact individuals’ ability to form healthy relationships outside the church community. The fear of being othered, ostracized, or judged by the church community can deter individuals from seeking connections with those who have different beliefs or lifestyles. This fear can lead to isolation and difficulty in developing a diverse and supportive social network.
Within the IFB context, acknowledging and addressing family enmeshment presents a unique challenge, as their community places a significant emphasis on conformity and the shared beliefs that bind its members together. This emphasis has inadvertently contributed to the complexities of family enmeshment within their community.
The relationships within the IFB community can often bear a striking resemblance to family enmeshment. In this tightly-knit and often insular environment, people may find themselves entangled in a web of connections that can blur the boundaries between personal and group identity. Much like family enmeshment, these dynamics can have both positive and negative consequences.
On the positive side, the sense of belonging and camaraderie in the IFB can provide a strong support system for its members. It often feels like an extended family, with shared beliefs, values, and traditions creating a deep bond among the congregation. This can be a source of comfort and a feeling of belonging, especially for those who may not have strong family ties outside the church.
However, the downside to this closeness is that it can sometimes lead to family enmeshment-like dynamics, where individuality and personal boundaries become blurred. In the IFB, dissenting opinions or questioning the established beliefs are often discouraged or even condemned. This can create an environment where conformity is prized, and those who deviate risk ostracism . In such cases, the sense of belonging can turn into a suffocating pressure to conform, with members feeling unable to express their own beliefs or make decisions independent of the group’s expectations.
Just as family enmeshment can stifle personal growth and independence within a family unit, similar patterns can emerge within the IFB, where the group’s cohesion and conformity can sometimes come at the expense of personal development. This complex interplay between community and individuality is a fundamental aspect of the IFB experience and one that often requires careful navigation for those seeking a balance between their faith and their individuality.
When a person makes the hard decision to distance themselves from the tightly knit community, they encounter a complex set of challenges. Among these challenges, one prominent issue is the sense of social isolation. Leaving the IFB often entails losing contact with family and friends who remain part of the community, resulting in feelings of loneliness and disconnection, which can be emotionally taxing.
Leaving an enmeshed IFB family and community can be an emotional experience. The alterations in relationships and dynamics can bring up a range of emotions.
Leaving the enmeshment of the IFB community is not only emotionally challenging but also the start of independent personal growth. As one distances themself from the tightly connected network of beliefs and relationships, they often find themselves in uncharted territory.
One of the primary challenges is disentangling themselves from the enmeshed web of beliefs and practices. This process involves questioning deeply ingrained doctrines and reevaluating personal values. It can be a daunting task to break free from a community that has often shaped one’s entire worldview and self-perception. It is not easy to think for yourself.
Disentangling from the enmeshment of a controlling community may involve setting boundaries, building new relationships, pursuing different life goals, and embracing a more diverse and open-minded perspective. While the process is undoubtedly challenging, it also offers the opportunity for reclaiming individuality and a sense of purpose outside of the entangled enmeshment of the community.
Disclaimer: The information provided is based on general knowledge and personal experience and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. While I am a registered nurse, I am not your personal healthcare provider. It is advisable for you to consult with your own designated healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for your specific situation for personalized guidance and recommendations tailored to your specific needs.
One year ago, in the courtyard garden of the Spaulding Hospital Cambridge, I sat crying under this beautiful tree. One of my favorite people had just passed away. It’s hard to believe that an entire year has already gone by. 🌸
I miss her all the time! I think of her often. Whether it’s because I think of something funny she said or did, or because of something I wish I could text or tell her. She would have HATED social distancing and isolation! 🌸
Last night my Grandma passed away…😭 Due to her age and medical conditions, it wasn’t a surprise, but at the same time, I wasn’t expecting to lose her last night.🌸
She was a spunky lady. She always had an interesting story to tell, her nails perfectly done, and sunglasses on. 💅😎She was the epitome of the Shakespeare quote from Midsummer Night’s Dream “Though she be but little she is fierce” I’m going to miss her, but I know she’s so happy to be reunited in Heavenwith my Poppop and their dog Chase.🌸
Grief is a crazy thing, it’s like standing in the ocean being hit by waves. Sometimes the thought of the people I’ve lost makes me laugh and sometimes I cry.🌸
There’s no expiration date on grief. It could be twenty years later when you feel the wave crash against you as if it just happened yesterday. For now, I’ll take the waves one at a time…laughing and crying. 🌸
If you love someone, tell them. Don’t wait! You never know when you might not have another chance.🌸
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11🌸
HOPE: /hōp/ noun
1. a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.
synonyms: aspiration, desire, wish, expectation, ambition, aim, plan, dream,
2.a feeling of trust. verb
1.want something to happen or be the case.
synonyms: expect, anticipate, look for, wait for, be hopeful of, pin one’s hopes on, want
I lost a good friend last week, Barbara.
I had so much HOPE that God would heal her, HOPE that she would be whole again, HOPE that things would return to normal, HOPE that cancer would lose and we would win her back again. HOPE that this would be the end of a chapter in her life and not the end of life.
That wasn’t God’s plan.
Does that mean that I have lost HOPE?!
Absolutely not! I HOPE that I can be as kind and friendly as Barbara was. I HOPE that like Barbara when people leave my presence they feel better and happier for having been with me. I HOPE that I can praise God despite not being able to breathe. I HOPE that my life can be like Barbara’s, at the mention of my name people cry because they miss me but quickly start to smile and laugh because of all the happy and good things. I HOPE it can be said of me “well done.”
Today we will celebrate the wonderful and full life of Barbara. I have HOPE because I will see her again in Heaven.
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a HOPE.
Jeremiah 29:11
“Bullying. Harassment. Is this the best a man can get? It’s only by challenging ourselves to do more, that we can get closer to our best. To say the right thing, to act the right way.”
My husband shared this and I love the message so much that I want to share it as well.
I am so thankful that my husband is a great example to our son of what a man should be like.
Just because the excuse has always been “Boys will be boys” doesn’t mean that we have to continue to let that be the case. Stand up for what is right, teach others to do the same by your example.
Looking Joli Good 