A Special Luncheon with the Ladies

This week I did something totally different for me—and I had a great time doing it! Because I work at the office daily, I don't get to spend much time with the ladies from my church or in my neighborhood. But earlier this week, I spent a lovely afternoon with the ladies for a luncheon and meeting. I am serving as the "humanitarian service leader" in our church's women's organization and the luncheon was designed to help our committee plan this year's calendar.

It was awesome to spend this time with them—we just talked, laughed, and made exciting plans for our work together. I realize how lucky I am to be surrounded by such loving and caring women. My assignment is fairly new as I was just released as the nursery leader responsible for watching 16 little ones during church-this new job will be a big switch!

I wanted to write about my luncheon because we had a fantastic lunch and I know how you all love great recipes. Our luncheon was held at Sally's home and she made an impressive pasta salad. It was so delicious. So I asked her for the recipe. She said she got it from a magazine and I am posting it here. We also had Kayla's homemade rolls that were out of this world, fresh fruit by Roberta, and Suzette capped our lunch with homemade chocolate cake with frosting. (It was the most incredible cake I've ever tasted.)

What could be better? I know: sharing their great recipes with each of you. Here they are. Enjoy!







Chicken Pasta Salad
4 cups cooked penne pasta
1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
1 pkg. (4 oz.) crumbled feta cheese
1 cup prepared Good Seasons Italian Salad Dressing Mix
1/3 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves, cut into strips
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped sundried tomatoes (not oil packed)
2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, grilled or broiled, cut into 1/4 inch slices

Toss all ingredients together! Season as desired. Serve warm or chilled. Makes 7 1/2 cups.






Easy Chocolate Cake
Stir in a bowl:
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1/2 tsp salt

Bring to a boil in a pan, then pour over flour mixture, and mix until blended
2 sticks butter
1 cup water
3 tablespoon cocoa

Mix in a measuring cup then beat together with batter, pour in greased 9x13 pan, bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes:
1/2 cup sour cream or 1/2 cup of sour milk*
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 tsp soda

Make frosting while cake is baking and frost cake while hot:
1 stick butter
3 tablespoons cocoa
4-6 tablespoons milk (I usually use 6)
1 box (1 lb) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
*to make sour milk add 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice to milk.
I want to thank these lovely ladies for sharing these recipes as well as their friendship. I'll post Kayla's roll recipe soon. Stay tuned!