As part of my major in college, I received an Early Childhood Education certification and a teaching certificate, and after graduating, I finished my education by completing my student teaching requirement. Back in my hometown, I was fortunate to have a fantastic teacher with whom I could work. Her name was Camille.

I had met Camille the previous winter when I was placed in her first-grade class after Christmas break for a week-long practicum. During that week, I sensed I was witnessing a first-class teacher. At the end of my time in her class, I got up the courage to ask her if I could do my student teaching with her during the fall. She was reluctant because she didn’t like the thought of giving up her class. I think we had a connection, though, because she finally agreed. The following fall I began to learn from someone who invested in her students–it didn’t matter who the kid was, she valued each of them and brought out their best.

I learned more from her in the classroom than in many of my college classes. She wanted me to get as much as I could from my experience. During the final week of my student teaching, she put together a little party for me and served a yummy dessert. I told her that I had to have the recipe, and I have saved that recipe and introduced it to my own family. It is one of their favorites. Since I experienced my first carmelita close to Christmas, I associate them with this time of year. I credit Camille for the teacher I came to be, and I wanted to share this carmelita recipe she gave me in honor of her.

This recipe does not require too many ingredients, and it is simple to make. You just need flour, baking soda, salt, sugar, butter, oatmeal, caramel, and chocolate chips.

Mix 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 2 cups of sugar, and 2 cups old fashioned oatmeal in a large bowl.

Melt 3 cubes of butter and add to the mixture.

Crumble half of this mixture into a 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

Remove pan from oven and sprinkle on top a 12 oz. package of chocolate chips and a jar of caramel topping that has been mixed with 6 tablespoons of flour.

Sprinkle the remainder of the dry mixture on top. Bake for another 13-20 minutes at 350 degrees.

Cool and cut. I hope you will enjoy these carmelitas with your family!

Merry Christmas!