Double Crust Marionberry Crisp

Hosting a dinner party takes a certain finesse, but it never has to be perfect. Thank God for that! But, this dessert I’m sharing today, Double Crust Marionberry Crisp, is pretty darn near perfect … I’m just saying

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Dinner parties are like art.

My style of entertaining begins with gathering the right people. Dinner parties are sometimes like art: You put thought and intention into the invitee list, creating a beautiful spread of people. Next, you design a pretty table setting, and pull together a menu where everyone contributes.

A dinner party table is a place of safety, and also of risk, when you consider conversations that can take you in many directions.

Double Crust Marionberry Crisp

Thank you, Eleanor.

I really do believe that our friends come into our home (or yard) to let their hair down, relax, talk about life, problems—the good and the bad. It’s a time of fun, laughter, inspiration, and learning.

I say learning, because this statement says it all:

Great Minds Quote

We get to know the people at our table better, talk about issues, ideas, or events that can hopefully! make our world a better place. It’s about encouragement, shared strength, and wisdom.

One example would be our friend, who’s been working hard on a documentary that will help bring peace and needed justice to a region with decades-old conflict. (I’ll share more on this later).

Another would be what my husband is doing with The Protectors.org and his upcoming trip to Tanzania, sharing the anti-bullying message with the African continent. (We are leaving on Tuesday, and covet your prayers! You can follow on Instagram #ProtectorsNationAfrica @freedombullying)

Everyone plays a role in whatever their mission in life may be. For me, yesterday, it was taking the time to visit with my elderly neighbor—to sit and listen to her struggles and offer encouragement. And then, to send an email to another elderly neighbor who recently moved away–not because she wanted to, but because at age 90, it was “time” to be closer to her children.

For another friends, it’s the daily care of their elderly parents.

Without the power of words that can take you to a better place—whatever season of life you’re in–entertaining becomes small, mindless chitter-chatter, talking only about other people, and meaningless, negative complaints. How draining is that?

Keep it positive.

Honestly, our family just does not do it that way, so we’re a little picky about who we invite over for dinner.

We want to enjoy our conversation and guests, and we want them to enjoy us—to share, linger, relax, and walk away refreshed.

Of course there’s always dipping feet in the pool, or sitting off to the side in a deep conversation. But a joining together – at one large table – to relish the richness, years of friendships, and virtues of our guests.

What are your thoughts about Eleanor’s quote?

Double Crust Marionberry Crisp

Double Crust Marionberry Crisp
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Double Crust Marionberry Crisp

This recipe can also be cut into squares and frozen.
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Ingredients
 

  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 cups oatmeal
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 1/2 3 sticks butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups marionberry preserves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 and grease a 9×13 pan.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the flour, oats, sugar, salt, baking soda, and melted butter.
  • Press 2/3 of the mixture into the bottom of the 9×13 pan.
  • Spread the preserves over the mixture.
  • Crumble the remaining dough over the preserves.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Slightly cool; cut into squares and serve with premium vanilla ice cream.
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