Saturday, December 7, 2013

The BEST Caramels Ever…No, Really. EVER.



I know, it's a bold statement. But really, truly, these are the best. In our family, we pretty much consider Fran's Salted Caramels to be the best out there. They are made here in Seattle and when we took my mother-in-law into their shop by Pike Place she thought we were in a jewelry store.  They are wonderful.

However, my husband is now of the opinion that these are the best caramels he has every had. I have to say, I'm pretty in love with them, too.

It started with a recipe in the Our Best Bites - Mormon Moms in the Kitchen Cookbook. I took their recipe and instead of using 2 cups of light corn syrup I used 1 1/2 cups of light corn syrup and 1/2 cup dark corn syrup. The addition of the dark corn syrup results in a richer flavor.  Add to that some rich bourbon vanilla from Trader Joe's and some lovely pink sea salt and voila!



I dipped half of the caramels in dark chocolate, which I prefer. I think my husband likes the plain caramels better.

I use this large mixing bowl for everything!! Here it is sitting in a pan of water melting chocolate.  Please excuse my messy stove!
Beauty!

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Little Man's First Trip to the Tree Farm



We took Little Man to the Tree Farm Thanksgiving Weekend. He absolutely loved it. I had no idea he would be so into it.  He kept trying to wander off into the trees on his own.  As a kid, we always cut down our own tree. This was the first time my husband has ever done something like this and I think that he loved the experience, as well. It was quality family time. Definitely a new tradition for our little family.

The hunt is on.

So happy!
We found it! Unfortunately, I was so excited I didn't take this from another angle, so we have this giant house in the background.  

You'll notice I brought some ground protection along for the husband. He was impressed. It's not my first rodeo.

Mission Accomplished. 


Hexies Are Coming Along

I have my pieces put together. It was a lot of hand sewing, but very enjoyable. It has been a while since I had a sewing project where I could sit on the couch and watch TV with my husband while working.




Back of the basted hexes.


Paper Removed. Now to do some cutting.





Friday, November 1, 2013

Get Your Hexie On



Halloween is officially over and I'm ready for Christmas! Here is a little preview of my first hexie project. Stay tuned to see what I'm making.