Our Miracle on 4th Ave Party is one of my favorite nights of the year at the shop. This year was the  Devils Lake stores 5th and Fargo has had 2 already, time goes so fast! I started them as a way to have some fun, be able to try out some new recipes and of course give our Fab Friends a fun coupon and a reason to get together. 

This year, we featured 3 sweet offering and a yummy taco dip. We try and choose things that you can easily make ahead or throw together fast to bring to an event. We all know those pop up at this time of the year. Following you will find Stacie's Taco Dip, Stacie's Pumpkin Bars, Thanks Giving Punch and Maple Fudge.

(Note: I should have taken pictures but I didn't think of it)

Stacie's Layered Taco Dip

• 8oz package cream cheese (softened)
• 16oz container sour cream
• 15.5 oz container of salsa
• 1.5 cups (or more) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 chopped tomatoes
• 1 chopped bell pepper
• 2.25 oz can chopped black olives

• Combine cream cheese and sour cream . Spread this mixture on a 10-inch or larger serving dish. Top the mixture with desired amounts of: salsa, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, bell pepper and black olives. Enjoy with your favorite chip!

Ok so Stacie served this with Nacho Cheese Doritos. Which I don't know about you. But those chips could be sprinkled on my coffin when I die instead of dirt I love them so much. (and as I am writing this, I hope you find it funny and not morbid, because I could polish off a bag of those chips in no time especially with this dip) 

Stacie's Pumpkin Bars

• Mix ingredients:
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup oil
• 2 cups pumpkin (1 15oz can)
• Add dry ingredients:
• 2 cups white flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking soda
• Pan Size: 15 1/2x 10 1/2 or 11 1/2x17
• Bake: 350 in greased pan
• Frosting Blend all ingredients until fluffy:
• 1/2 cup soft butter
• 8 oz soft cream cheese
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• Cool cake and then frost when done.

These were so yummy. Stacie has had the recipe for years and she said she often gets asked for it. Pumpkin Bars are usually a hit, so it can't hurt to make them for even the pickiest of eaters. 

Thanks Giving Punch

• Apple cider (not spiced)
• Caramel syrup
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Cinnamon sticks
• Sliced apples (optional just to be pretty)
• Combine & Enjoy

The recipe for this this year used caramel syrup like you would find in a coffee house. Last year the recipe used Mrs. Richards Butterscotch caramel and was much better in my opinion. So would use actual caramel but I have a really big sweet tooth to. (Also I enjoy "make recipes work" with what i have on had and often swap stuff out, but thats just me ;) 

Maple Fudge

• 1 cup BUTTER
• 2 cups packed BROWN SUGAR
• 1 (5 oz.) can EVAPORATED MILK
• 1 teaspoon MAPLE FLAVORING
• ½ teaspoon VANILLA EXTRACT
• ⅛ teaspoon SALT
• 2 cups POWDERED SUGAR
• Line an 8 or 9 inch square pan with foil and butter lightly or grease with cooking spray.
• In a large saucepan over medium high heat, combine butter, brown sugar and evaporated milk.
• Bring to a full boil, stirring constantly
• Turn heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat and stir in maple flavoring, vanilla extract and salt.
• Using a stand or electric mixer, beat in powdered sugar for about 2 minutes until smooth. Spread in prepared pan and allow to cool completely before cutting into squares. Store in a cool place in an air tight container.

I made this recipe 4 times to get 2 batches that turned out. The first time, I was visiting with my brother and accidentally put in 1 lb of butter instead of 1 cup. Yea that really didn't turn out at ALL lol. And another time I tried to load the dishwasher and only stir it occasionally. THAT doesn't work with fudge. While it tasted fine the texture was wrong. So stir stir stir and this will end up being delicious. In fact, I had a lady visiting downtown Fargo from California and she asked to take some fudge with her when she left.