Fudge Jumbles-- Stacy Ahlden Connor Recipe

Fudge Jumbles – Stacy Ahlden Connor Recipe

          Grams and I got an early baking start this morning.  We decided it was best to run the oven before the heat of the day set in.  Since we started so early, my sister Ashley was still here when Grandma arrived.  Unfortunately for Ashley, she only had about ten minutes before she was being picked up to go The Arc Workshop.  For some reason, Ash was really into baking this morning. She did a couple stirs and watched nicely as Grams and I added ingredients.  You could tell she wanted to be involved in the fun.  When the bus to pick her up honked outside, her face was just devastated.  She was so hurt that she wouldn’t be able to stay and hang out with Grams and me.  It broke my heart to send her out the door.

          For those of you who don’t know, my sister, Ashley, has Angelman Syndrome.  Angelman Syndrome is a neuro-genetic disorder that affects the 15^th chromosome.  It is a rare disability that occurs in only 1 in 15,000 births.  Some of the most significant characteristics of Angelman’s are lack of speech, fine motor and balance difficulties, seizures, and severe developmental delays.  Those of you who have been around Ashley know that individuals with Angelman Syndrome are always happy, loving, and laughing.  To Ashley, family is EVERYTHING!  For as long as I can remember, Ashley has been a “Grandma’s Girl”.  Some individuals with Angelman Syndrome are able to say a few simple words or use basic sign language.  For my sister, expressing through words and signs is something that she never fully mastered.  I can honestly say that the only distinct sound that I have heard her use for a person or thing is a specific sound that we identify as “I want to see Grandma Ahlden”.  I can’t explain how we can tell or what it sounds like, but the one distinct noise Ashley makes is one that means ‘Grams’. 

          Because of Ashley, my brother, sister, and I never had typical babysitters.  Fourteen year old girls couldn’t handle the responsibilities of my sister when my parents needed a night out.  I can only remember a few times that we had a teenage babysitter watching us.  Instead, Grandma Ahlden became a major part of our lives.  When my parents went out, Grams was the one that babysat the three of us.  I love my sister to death, but she is certainly a multiple person job.  Growing up, Grams was always our go to person for help with Ashley.  We were blessed to have her living just down the street.  I think that today Ashley understands that she needs to be gentler with Grams.  As a kid, Ash would just plop down on Grams’ lap or visit her house for hours at a time.  Now Ashley is more mature, and the two of them spend relaxing time on the porch swing looking through photos. 

          Grams and I were able to finish the Fudge Jumbles without Ashley’s help.  We knew that even though she missed out on the baking, she would enjoy the finished product even more.  I think these were one of Gram’s favorite recipes so far. Although the word ‘fudge’ is in the title, they are definitely more of a bar type of dessert.  These would be great to bring to a family gathering or party.  Fudge Jumbles are one of those desserts that look good and taste good too.  While Grams and I were doing our traditional taste testing, we decided that sometime soon we would do a special girls night with the two of us and Ashley.  I felt bad when Ashley had to leave for The Arc, but I know it hurt Grams even more.  She loves all of her grandchildren, but Ashley and Grandma Ahlden have always shared a special place in each other’s hearts.

         

Fudge Jumbles – Stacy Ahlden Connor

2 cups brown sugar                                        1 12 oz. pkg. chocolate chips

¾ cup margarine                                            1 can Eagle Brand milk

2 eggs                                                              2 T. margarine

2 t. vanilla                                                       ½ t. salt

2 ½ cups baking mix (such as Jiffy)                1 cup chopped nuts

3 cups quick oats                                           2 t. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease 10 x 15 x 2 inch pan.

Mix sugar, margarine, eggs, and vanilla, then baking mix and oats.  Set aside.  Melt chips then add Eagle Brand milk, 2 T. margarine and salt.  Stir in vanilla and nuts.  Press 2/3 oatmeal mixture in pan with greased hands.  Spread chocolate mixture over oatmeal layer.  Dot remaining oat mix on chocolate layer.  Bake about 30 minutes.  Cool and cut into bars.

Note from Stacy:  This is a great dessert when you want to feed many people, i.e. our family get-togethers.  Plus, you can convince yourself it must be good for you in some way, since it has oatmeal in it!