MEMORIAL DAY - FAMILY REUNIONS & LEMON WHITE CHOCOLATE BARS

Memorial Day, an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades.

 Unofficially, at least, it marks the beginning of summer.

 Your history lesson of the day!

I hope you all had a nice Memorial Day and remembered to observe the day for what it is!

 Yesterday we had our family reunion. I know when those 2 words are mentioned, most of us groaned.

Myself included!

But yesterday as I sat there observing this huge clan of Clement's (all 155 of us), I felt a sense of

pride. Even though we never visit with one another (other than reunions or funerals) its good to know

that the heritage that my great grandparents instilled in us...carries on...for many generations.

Below is a photo of some of this beautiful family...the 2 that are pointed out are my great grandmaw and

grandpaw Pete and Rose Clement. The precious child with the heart above her is....moi!

Cute as heck huh?

(if you click on any pictures in my blog, you can view them larger)
 I think this was in 1954 or 55.

We should always remember how important family is. I know we don't always get along...we wait much too long to spend time together...but we also know that when one of us needs something, the other is there for them...even if its just for a hug or a shoulder to lean on.

THAT is what family is all about.

 

LEMON WHITE CHOCOLATE BARS

Ingredients

6 KING'S HAWAIIAN Original Hawaiian Sweet Dinner Rolls
1/2 cup Graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup Butter melted
1 can (14 ounces) Sweetened condensed milk
1 tbsp Lemon zest (from one large lemon)
4 tbsps Lemon juice (from one large lemon)
1 tsp Vanilla extract
1 Egg
1 cup White chocolate chips

Preparation

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a 9x9” pan with foil and spray with cooking spray.
2.  Tear up the King’s Hawaiian Dinner Rolls and add to a food processor.  Pulse a few times until only crumbs remain.
3.  Add bread crumbs and graham cracker crumbs to a large bowl.  Pour melted butter over the crumbs and stir well.  Pour into prepared pan and press firmly to compact.  Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges just begin to brown.
4.  Meanwhile stir together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla, and egg.
5.  Remove hot crust from the oven.  Sprinkle white chocolate over the top.  Pour the lemon mixture evenly over the crust.  Bake for an additional 23 minutes, until it just starts to brown around the edges and center is jiggly but bounces back when touched.  Cool completely before cutting into bars.