Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping

I know! They look incredible and every delicious bite leaves a beautiful memory in your mouth! Is it wrong to have these feelings about food?


After looking at the recipe and the ingredients, I modified the original Paula Dean recipe and used crushed cinnamon graham crackers instead of flour for the crust and reduced the butter to 1 stick, then added 1/3 light cream cheese for the filling and reduced the brown sugar and flour to only a 1/2 cup each for the topping. I also changed the recipe to be made into individual muffin tins. 

What a tasty Superbowl dessert! 


Here is how they were made:
Directions-

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

• Line muffin tray with papers
• Begin the layering process

1. Press crust mixture evenly into the bottom of each tin. Bake for 8-10   minutes until lightly brown.

2. Pour cheesecake filling on top of warm crust.

3. Spoon apple mixture on top.

4. Sprinkle evenly with Streusel topping.

5. Bake 20 minutes, or until filling is set.

6, Drizzle with caramel topping.

7. Enjoy! (Caution It is difficult to eat only one).

For the complete recipe check out Paula's original.

This reminded me that God has a plan! 

Each day that passes

Trials that come

Rocky times

Greatest joys

Deepest despair

Uncomfortable situations

Laughter and tears

He takes a look at the ingredients of our lives and He uses it all to complete His recipe for your life. As every moment is layered together your life becomes a sweet, testimony for Him.

The next time you are in the midst of something difficult: 

Ask God how He wants to use it to further His kingdom.

Ask Him what you may learn from it.

Ask Him to show you His plan.

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? 

Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 

 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 

Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Luke 12:6-7

Unaware

How often am I unaware of what is happening around me? 
This question came up as I was having dessert with some friends.

On a snowy night as we sat together at a restaurant eating pie, chocolate sundaes and anything else rich and gooey a question was asked of my friend, "Are you from England?" Puzzled, we all looked at her and wondered why this was asked. My friend giggled and politely responded "no, but why do you ask?" The woman went on to explain that she noticed my friend using a fork and knife to gather together and eat her cheesecake and it reminded her of the way the English eat.

Here's the funny thing. Only when she is eating does she use her left hand. Even more humorous was the fact that her husband of over 20 years had never noticed that she did this! 

How often do we do this with God? We miss the everyday occurrences that point us to our creator. 

We can fail to see
His hand 
as 
He leads and guides us
 into His plan
 at 
His time 
and
 In His way.

Who among the gods is like you, LORD? Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? “You stretch out your right hand, and the earth swallows your enemies. In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. 
Psalm 15:11-13

Today, as you 
Eat and Drink
Work and Rest
Sit and Stand
Laugh and Cry

Remember to notice the one who notices you. 2 Timothy 2:19

Father, May I never miss your touch, your leading, your whisper. May I always see you in the joy and the pain, the laughter and the sorrow. Reveal yourself more and more to me. I want to see you more and more! 

Jann