John Hughes, you had me at, “What’s a happenin’ hot stuff!”

Last month the world lost one of the best movie geniuses of our time. Foruntately, for us, he left a legacy of classic films that will be enjoyed by our kids and our kids’ kids. I’m excited to be participating in the Flavor of the Month baking club, organized by Bridget at Bake at 350. This month’s theme is a tribute to John Hughes.

John Hughes left a major imprint on my life during those awkward pre-teen years. To this day, when I think of The Breakfast Club, my mind goes to my first boyfriend who used to recite that movie  incessantly. It annoyed me to no end, as people who recite movie lines is such a pet peeve of mine. And to many, my dad will still be known as the “real” Uncle Buck. And then there’s those Ferris Bueller movie nights with me sis that will always be great memories for me. Without question though,  Sixteen Candles is the best movie of my generation. I think I’ve seen it 1600 times or so and admit that this is the only movie that transforms me into an obnoxious viewer who recites all of the classic lines.

Sam’s Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies are my tribute to John Hughes. Anyone remember why? Remember in the movie, Sam’s brother announces that the only reason she’s eating carrots is to increase the size of her breasts. Add to it that horrifying scene when her grandparents, as Sam puts it, “felt her up”. If carrots really did have the power to increase our bra size, we’d have a lot of plastic surgeons in Orange County looking for work…not to mention a carrot shortage. 

This recipe comes from Martha and is a perfect cookie for fall. The smell of cinnamon and nutmeg has the power, even during a heat wave, to get me in the spirit of fall. A word of caution, before you pop the cookies into the oven, chill the cookie sheet until the cookies are nice and firm. Mine didn’t puff up like I had hoped, which made them a little too delicate for sandwich cookies. I fixed that by keeping them in the refrigerator after they were all put together. They tasted great right out of the fridge and didn’t last long!

Thanks John Hughes for making me laugh during those hormonal teen years!

5 Best Lines From Sixteen Candles

(Geek) I’ve never bagged a babe. I’m not a stud.

(Long Duk Dong)Married?…Yes Married!

(Long Duk Dong) Lake…big lake.   

(Geek)You know things, life, what not…(Sam)Life is whatnot and it’s really none of your business.

Visit Bakeat350 to see all of the other tributes!

Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies (Martha Stewart)

1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 pound (2 sticks or 1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 large carrots)
1 cup raisins

Cream Cheese FrostingPreheat oven to 350F. Line two baking sheets with silpat or parchment paper and set aside. In a very large (trust me) bowl, beat butter and sugars till light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla, beat on medium speed until well combined.