Join the biggest backyard party where over 1,800 pounds of fresh catfish will be served at the 44th BUMC Fish Fry on Friday, July 20 in the Grassland Community of Franklin at Bethlehem United Methodist Church on the shaded grounds located at 2419 Bethlehem Loop Road off Hillsboro Road.
One of the longest running events in Williamson County, Bethlehem’s new minister, Dr. Craig Goff, will be joining the church as senior pastor in July just in time for the good old-fashioned social with bluegrass and R&B/jazz music, all-you-can-eat catfish, free children’s game area – all helping support church missions.
“I am excited about attending and I’m grateful for the support of all the friends and neighbors of BUMC. It is a blessing to be part of such a wonderful tradition which brings together the entire community for fellowship and fun while ultimately help those in need,” Goff said. “Each year, proceeds from the event help support the church’s mission abroad and locally including Kathy’s Backpacks which provides new backpacks and supplies for area school needing assistance.”
In addition to the Bethlehem Bluegrass Band, the popular Kandi Peppers and her band will be playing on the main stage and Pied Piper Creamery returns again with their delicious ice cream.
Over 1,800 pounds of pond-raised catfish will be served at the fish fry along with hushpuppies, sliced tomatoes, white beans and delicious cole slaw made from a secret church recipe. The incredible silent auction includes beautiful artwork, sports tickets, home décor, themed gift baskets and more.
For a sweet treat after your meal, purchase an item from the popular bake sale with a variety of items from cupcakes, bread to brownies and cookies. Jan Speer, co-chair of the Bake Sale, said one of last year’s cookie contest finalists (Oatmeal, Cherry, White Chocolate Pecan Cookies) will be the featured recipe of the year prepared by BUMC baker, Nancy McNulty, see recipe below. Speer said the church is known for some of the best bakers in Franklin and will have a huge variety of delicious treats.
The Bethlehem UMC Fish Fry is Friday, July 20 from 4:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., 2419 Bethlehem Loop Road, Franklin 37069. Tickets for adults are $10 in advance at the church and $13 the day of the event. Children 10 and under are always $6 and children under three are free! Hot dogs are available for children and a separate carryout serving area is provided. For more information, contact the church at (615) 794-6721 or visit www.bethlehemumc.com.
White Chocolate Oatmeal Cherry Cookies
By Nancy McNulty, Franklin, TN
Ingredients:
1 cup of flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ (1 stick) plus 2 tablespoons of butter
½ cup of sugar
½ cup of packed dark brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup old fashioned oats
1 ½ cups white chocolate chips
1 cup dried tart cherries
½ cup of toasted, chopped pecans
Sift the flour, baking soda and salt together. Beat the unsalted butter, sugar and brown sugar in a mixing bowl until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until creamy. Add in the flour and oats and mix until smooth. Add chips, cherries and pecans into the mixer or mix by hand.
Drop rounds of mix 2 inches apart onto a cookie sheet lined – optionally lined with baking parchment. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 18 minutes or until light brown.
