Carmelitas!

These bars are little bites of heaven

Everyone should give them a try!

They contain two of my favorite things-- chocolate and caramel,

and the best part is, they are SO simple to make!

I took this "to die for" recipe from Lulu the Baker

but every time I make them, I double her recipe

because they are irresistible and devoured within hours of baking!

I especially love the ooey-gooeyness as soon as they come out of the oven.

My mouth is watering just thinking about them!

Ingredients

64 caramel squares, unwrapped

1 cup heavy cream

1 1/2 cups butter, melted

1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed

2 cups flour

2 cups rolled oats

2 teaspoons baking soda

12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Combine caramels and cream in a small saucepan over low heat
2. Stir until completely smooth, then set aside
3. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, and baking soda
4. Pat half of the oatmeal mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13" pan
5. Bake at 350° F for 10 minutes or until lightly golden
6. Remove pan from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over crust
7. Pour caramel mixture over chocolate chips
8. Crumble remaining oatmeal mixture over caramel
9. Return to oven and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, until edges are lightly browned
10. Remove from oven and cool completely before cutting

Give them a try! :)

BONN Voyage

Bonn is such a wonderful city & it feels so unreal to be here!

We were welcomed to a true winter wonderland with freezing cold temperatures,

something that I am very quickly learning to adjust to with layers and layers of clothing.

I love that I will be here to see the city transform throughout the different seasons.

It is so beautiful covered in snow... I can only imagine what it looks like in the spring time!

Bonn is situated along the Rhine River, the 12th longest river in Europe.

The city is full of history, as it was the capital of Germany until 1990, 

& it is a center for politics and administration.

As a group, we were welcomed to Bonn by one of its mayors at the Old Town Hall.

The reception was in a room that previous US Presidents 

and other dignitaries have also stepped foot in!

What an awesome experience!

The school that I am attending is called the Akademie für International Bildung.

It is located in the most perfect location-- nestled within downtown and just steps away from 

the University of Bonn, one of Germany's most reputable institutions of higher learning.

I love exploring the different cafés, bakeries, and restaurants for lunch.

Although ordering is difficult when the menu is only in German,

I have enjoyed everything that I have tried thus far!

One of the best things about this program is that I get to live with a host family!

I believe that this is the greatest way to immerse yourself in another culture.

My roommate, Carly, and I live in the village of Geislar,

which is just over the river & about a 20 minute bus ride from downtown Bonn.

We love our host mother and sister, Beate and Laura.

 I cannot wait to learn more about Europe

 through their perspective and ways of life.

Auf Wiedersehen!

Nearly three years ago, I stepped foot onto LMU's campus for the first time.

Since that very moment, I have dreamt of studying abroad in Germany...

& I am so excited that my dream is finally becoming a reality!

A rush of emotions hit me the day before leaving, 

as I tried to stuff as much as possible into my suitcases.

I was excited for the adventures ahead of me,

yet nervous for the unknown;

sad to leave my family and friends,

but so very thankful for this once in a lifetime opportunity!

I am so grateful for my wonderful parents...

Thanks Mom & Dad for making this amazing journey possible!

I cannot wait for these next four months

& all of the unforgettable memories to come!