Saturday, February 26, 2011

Scotch Bars and a little bit of Emily's Etiquette

What a strange combination of topics, and I'm sure they could be two separate posts! 

A few weeks ago my younger cousin Tom from Colorado e-mailed me for an old family recipe! While I didn't have the recipe, I knew where to get it! From the keeper of all the family records, LOL!!!

This recipe was introduced to our family via my Aunt Esther (married to my mom's brother), and now that she has some Alzheimer's she doesn't remember everything, so I couldn't ask her. Esther was quite the family baker back in the day. 

Next up, phone Aunt Mae, yup, she had it, I knew she would, and she reminded me that this was Aunt Esther's recipe - she's so honest. Aunt Mae is my mom's youngest sister and whenever I need a family recipe, she's my "go to aunt." I don't know why this recipe is named Scotch bars, I don't know what's Scotch about it! All I know is that they are very rich, and delicious, and I hope you enjoy them!

Scotch Bars
Ingredients
1 cup oatmeal
1 cup flour
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 egg yolks
1/2 cup softened butter
1 cup Chocolate bits (or more if you like)
1 cup chopped walnuts (or more if you like)

Directions
Cream butter, sugar, yolks and vanilla in a large mixing bowl, mix flour slowly then mix in oatmeal.
Spread the mixture on a quarter baking sheet
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 - 20 minutes.
Immediately sprinkle chocolate bits then nuts.
Cool, cut into squares and enjoy!


A little bit of Emily's Etiquette

I saw this quote recently on a fellow bloggers site, and I loved it! 

“Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use.” ~ Emily Post

Then it made me begin to think about etiquette.Did you know there are Ten Lost Rules of Etiquette . . . I didn't!

10. Men's wedding clothes.
9. Opening the door.
8. Writing Thank-you notes.
7. Asking for gifts.
6. Leaving at the right time.
5. Arriving on time.
4. Dinner.
3. Parental unity.
2. Discretion on the street.
1. Money talks.
If you'd like to read the detail on these Lost Rules of Etiquette, please click here.  I must admit, it was fun to read some of them!

P.S. It's snowing AGAIN as I write this post . . . will it NEVER end?  When you have a moment please check out my Voki on my side bar to hear my personal greeting!

21 comments:

  1. The Scots get credit for anything with oatmeal in it!

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  2. The bars look fabulous! WOuld go really good with the tea I'm drinking right now!
    Thanks for your visit!
    XO
    Kristin

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  3. Hello dear Mary! Loved the recipe and I shall be using it...especially as it comes from an Esther...that's my darling sister's name, so even more special to me! Sounds yummy. Loved the etiquette rules. I like to think that we keep some of them alive in this house too! With love, Rachel xo

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  4. the scotch bars look wonderful. and manners will get you far in life. I made sure they were an important part of raising a child.
    cathy

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  5. The Scotch Bars sound delicious. I love a recipe that has been handed down through the family. The serving dish is lovely also. I wonder is some people even know what etiquette is anymore.

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  6. The bars look yummy and I love your etiquette lesson. Thanks for stopping by my blog!

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  7. Oh, those bars look delicious - and this post reminds me of some of the old laws written long ago that are still in effect.

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  8. Like Debra, I suspect the oatmeal is what makes this Scottish, and the fact that on this side of the pond the Scots have a reputation for liking sweet things! I've just done a quick reccie of my larder and have all of the ingredients, so I shall be making them this afternoon to take to my Writing Group meeting tomorrow. Will report back! Thanks, Mary :)

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  9. Raally enjoy reading you! I remember making these bars many years ago and they are good. Thank you for the reminder and love your étiquette rules.
    Rita

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  10. I enjoyed this post. I love the quote...So true.

    Loved the Scotch bars too.

    Spring is just around the corner. Almost here!

    velva

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  11. Hi lovely lady. I love and enjoyed all your post sweet lady.Your Scotch Bars look delicious,and also love the Lobster mac and cheese for your Mom. I need to make this~~~ I did put together on Satday night a {Creamy Crab Bisque}for dinner it was so good !!! I hope you have a nice weekend and thanks so much for your lovely comments on my Blog~~~~
    Diane

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  12. Oh wow these look so yummy! I love your blog!

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  13. Verde Farm confused me (Ocean Breezes) with you! So I had to check you out! I think I'll stick around and learn a thing or two. We live near the ocean all year round and are at the beach daily....regardless.....brrr!
    Since I am one third Scottish, I'll be trying out those Scotch Bars for sure.
    Jim

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  14. These Scotch Bars sound quite delicious and very easy to make. I must try them out!

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  15. Those look yummy. I made your Lobster Mac and Cheese last night and it was a big hit. My husband will think he's in the wrong house if I make this also. Maybe I'll save it for next week. Don't want to spoil him.

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  16. Love these bars ... and the serving dish is beautiful too!

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  17. It was good to see you come back again! I can't believe that your husband was struck by a drunk driver and survived! Wow...just when I think I've had it bad. Blessings to you!

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  18. Now I'm hungry! I've got to try these! Thanks for stopping by my blog!!!

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  19. Recipe sounds yummy! The Scotch bit would be the oatmeal!The traditional make of porridge oats in the UK shows a scotsman in tartan!
    Gill x

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  20. Love the recipe and will have to make these! Came here via Brownieville Girl, I know we are both "devotees" of her blog. Will have to stop by and visit more frequently. The Ireland/New England connection is near and dear to me... On Emily Post, I think her eternal words of wisdom are so needed in today's world, just sayin'!

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  21. Would love to try those scotch bars....thanks for the recipe..

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I'm thrilled you've stopped by and I always enjoy your comments! Thank you!