A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.
~Tenneva Jordan
My mom is a fan of pie, desserts, and most anything to do with chocolate. That being said, I know that my mom wouldn’t hesitate to give any of her children the last double chocolate chunk cookie on the plate. Like her own mother, Lorraine Ahlden, my mom gives with all that she has and loves with all of her heart. My mother was able to learn from the very best, and I have been blessed to have both a mother and a grandmother in my life to teach me about caring, patience, love, and life.
It occurred to me that through all of our baking this summer, Grams and I are yet to make the one dessert that my own mother, Lori (Ahlden) Johnson, contributed to the Ahlden Family Cookbook. Since this is my mom’s recipe, I knew what to expect and how they were supposed to turn out. This also meant that I had an official judge to taste test our final product. Of course, my mom declared our Special K Bars a delicious success. My dad was also extremely happy when he got home from work because these are one of his favorite sweets.
Melting the sugar mixture and peanut butter simultaneously is a two person job. Grams watched the sugar while I melted the peanut butter. Both of the contents of the saucepans are so temperamental, so it helped to have Grams’ assistance. During our stirring, we talked about how all the kids and teachers are getting ready to go back school. Grams actually graduated from Danforth High School before it consolidated with Gilman. During that time, it was a big deal to make it through high school. Grams couldn’t remember for certain, but she thinks that Grandpa Ahlden finished 8th grade and then began working on his family’s farm. Although it didn’t always make me happy, I am grateful that my mom and dad placed such importance on education. I was never forced to get A+’s, but I was always expected to do my very best in school.
Living at home this summer has certainly reminded me of the importance of strong role models. As I said earlier, Mom and Grams have always been an example to me of the kind of woman I want to be one day. They have always been there to love and guide me no matter what the situation was. Since the Ahlden Clan is so close in proximity and love, all of my uncles, aunts, and cousins have played a major role in making me who I am today. I am blessed to be a SWEET AHLDEN!
Special K Bars – Lori (Ahlden) Johnson Recipe
1 cup white Karo syrup 1 cup sugar
1 ½ cup peanut butter 6 cups Special K cereal
6 oz. butterscotch chips 6 oz. chocolate chips
Heat sugar and Karo syrup in saucepan until sugar is completely dissolved. In another pan, heat peanut butter on very low heat so that it won’t burn. In a large bowl, mix syrup mixture and peanut butter mixture together. Then pour in Special Ks and mix thoroughly until cereal is all coated well. Press firmly into a greased 9x13 baking pan. In sauce pan, or in a double broiler, melt both kinds of chips on low heat until creamy. Pour over bars, and let set up, or refrigerate until firm. Cut and enjoy.
Note from Lori: When Kevin and I first started dating, his family always invited me to go camping and boating with them. This was the only thing that I knew how to make, so I always brought these Special K Bars. Luckily, everyone always enjoyed them, and expected me to bring them each time I went camping with them.
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