Homemade Caramel

Soft, chewy, rich tasting caramel candy. This is so much better than what you can buy at the store. Although it does take a bit of time to make, it is totally worth doing!

 Ingredients

2 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. corn syrup
1 c. evaporated milk
2 c. whipping cream
1 c. butter
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Directions

Line a 12 x 15-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, evaporated milk, whipping cream and butter.

Stirring constantly, cook over medium heat until the mixture registers 250° on a candy thermometer.  This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour. It is important to stir constantly, otherwise the caramel will burn on the bottom of the pan, and you will have black clumps in the candy mixture. Remove from heat.

Stir in vanilla.  

Pour into prepared pan, spreading the mixture out, so it is even. Set aside to cool.  If you live in a cool climate, place the pan outside or in your unheated porch.  

Cut into squares when cool.  Wrap them in wax paper for longer storage if desired.

Notes:

You will want to make sure that your candy thermometer is accurate. To test it, bring a pot of water to a boil. The thermometer should read 212°.  If it does not, adjust the reading by adding or subtracting degrees, so it will be accurate.

Ham and Corn Chowder

In the cooler weather, it is always nice to make a comforting meal for you and your family. This meal is quick and easy, so don't let the long ingredient list put you off.  It is thick and creamy that will warm you up on the inside.

Ingredients

2 (15 oz.) cans chicken broth
2 Tbs. chicken bouillon
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/2 tsp. majoram
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
3 bay leaves
2 large carrot, sliced
2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic
1 to 2 ribs celery, diced
3 Tbs. butter
3 Tbs. flour
1 1/2 c. whole milk or heavy cream
1 (15 oz.) can cream style corn
1 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
1 c. diced, cooked ham or cooked sausage or brats
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 c. sour cream (optional)

Directions

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine chicken broth, chicken bouillon, thyme, marjoram, garlic powder, bay leaves, and carrots.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Cook for 10 minutes.

Add potatoes, onion, and garlic.  Cook for another 10 minutes.

Add the diced celery and cook for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium low heat. Whisk in the flour.  Cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes to remove the flour taste.

Gradually whisk in the milk or heavy cream, whisking constantly to remove the lumps. Cook and stir for 6 to 7 minutes until the mixture thickens. 

Slowly stir the milk mixture into the vegetables. Stir in the cream corn, shredded cheddar cheese, ham and sour cream. Cook and stir over low heat.  Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until everything is heated through, and the cheese is melted and mixed in. Taste and season with salt and pepper if desired. 

Notes:

If the sauce is too thick, add more milk, a little at a time, until it is the consistency that you like. 

Country Potatoes, Green Beans and Ham

A simple, yet filling dish made with green beans, potatoes, and ham.  Try to get the smoked ham hocks, or any smoked meat, as that is what gives this dish the flavor and aroma of something delicious cooking on the stove.

Ingredients

2 smoked ham hocks
1 onion, chopped
3 chicken bouillon cubes
2 1/2 c. hot water
3 lbs fresh, with ends removed **
10 small potatoes, cubed
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 Tbs. garlic powder
salt and pepper

Directions

Place the ham hocks, onion, and garlic in a 4-quart Dutch oven.  

Dissolve chicken bouillon cubes in the hot water. Pour the chicken broth into the Dutch oven. The liquid should fill the pot at least half way.  If it is not, add more water.   

Stir in the garlic powder. Bring mixture to a boil, then cover.  Lower heat and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the meat falls off the bone. Carefully remove the meat from the hot liquid in the Dutch oven. Separate the meat from the bones and skin.  Discard the bones and skin. Return the ham hock meat to the pot.   

Add the green beans.  Season with salt and pepper.  Cover the pot and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the lid.   

Add potatoes over the top of the green beans.  Season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook until the potatoes and green beans are tender. Pierce them with a fork and if the fork goes through the potato easily, then they are done.  

Serve and enjoy!

Notes:

If you don't have fresh or frozen green beans, you can use 2 (14.5 oz) cans green beans instead.  Drain the liquid off the green beans and add toward the end of cooking.  They are already cooked and only need to be warmed up.

You can use cut up ham, or cook up some bacon to use in place of the ham hocks.  Even smoked turkey meat will work and give this dish a great flavor. Just cook the bacon until crisp.  If using smoked turkey meat, cook as directed above.

Baked Chicken Thighs

Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

If you like crispy and flavorful chicken, then this recipe will not disappoint.  The meat stays moist and juicy, while the outside skin is crispy and delicious.  

Ingredients

8 chicken thighs or 1 3/4 lbs.
2 Tbs. cooking oil
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray, or line the sheet with foil and spray that with cooking spray for easier cleanup.

Place chicken drumsticks in a bowl. Drizzle the oil over the chicken. Turn the chicken to coat all sides of the meat.

In a small bowl, combine, paprika, garlic powder, salt, oregano, onion powder, pepper, and cayenne pepper.  Mix well.  

Sprinkle the seasoning over the chicken.  Turn the chicken to make sure that they are evenly coated with the spices.  Try to rub some of the seasoning under the skin as well.

Place the chicken on a baking sheet. 

Bake for about 60 minutes, or until the thigh's internal temperature reaches 165°. There should be no pink at the bone and the juices should run clear.  Turn the chicken over after 30 minutes to allow for even crispiness and browning.

 Notes:

You can double or triple the spices if you want more seasoning on your chicken.  Store the unused spice mixture in a container, to use later or for another meal. 

For crispy chicken on all sides, place the chicken on a rack and then set the rack on a cookie sheet.

Christmas Gingerbread Spice Blend

Christmas (or Anytime) Gingerbread Spice Blend

This spice blend is good any time of the year, not just Christmas, and it can be used in so many food dishes.  It can be used to make gingerbread dishes or gingerbread cookies.  Using ground cinnamon, cloves, and allspice plus other spices, makes this a very versatile blend. 

Ingredients

8 Tbs. cinnamon
2 Tbs + 2 tsp. allspice
2 Tbs + 2 tsp. cloves
2 Tbs + 2 tsp. ground star anise
4 tsp. ground anise seeds
4 tsp. ground coriander seeds
4 tsp. cardamon
2 tsp. ground fennel seeds
2 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. ginger

Directions

In a jar that has a tight-fitting lid, combine cinnamon, allspice, cloves, star anise, anise seeds, coriander seeds, cardamon, fennel seeds, nutmeg, and ginger.  Place the lid on the jar.  Shake the jar until the contents are thoroughly combined.  

Use this spice blend in hot chocolate, oatmeal, or granola.    Sprinkle some in the pancake or waffle batter, cookie dough or in sweet breads. 

Notes:

You can grind up the spices using a pestle and mortar, or a spice grinder.

Cherry Sweet Roll Christmas Trees

The weather may be cold and snowy, but it is the perfect time to start baking. These sweet rolls formed in the shape of a Christmas tree, are a perfect way to keep your house warm and provide a delicious home-baked treat. 

Ingredients

2 pkg. yeast
1/2 c. very warm water (110° to 115°)
3 Tbs. sugar
2 c. milk, warmed to 110° to 115°
1/2 c. cooking oil
2 tsp. salt
1 egg
7 to 8 c. flour
1/4 tsp. cinnamon (optional)
1 can cherry, or blueberry or apple pie filling
1/4 c. pecans, chopped, (optional)

Glaze

2 c. powdered sugar
2 Tbs.milk
1 Tbs. butter, softened
1 tsp. vanilla
red and green candied cherries
red and green colored sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°.  Grease 2 baking sheets.  You can line the baking sheets with foil. Grease the foil well.

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast, and sugar in the warm water. Set aside for about 8 to 10 minutes to allow the yeast to bloom. 

Add warmed milk, 2 c. flour, oil, salt, and egg. Beat well with a wooden spoon, or you can use the electric mixer with a dough hook attachment and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. 

Stir in the remaining flour or until it becomes too stiff to mix the dough with a spoon.  Turn the dough out onto a floured surface.  Knead in enough flour to for a soft dough. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. 

Place the dough in a greased bowl, I use the same bowl that I mixed the dough in, and cover with a tea towel or sheet of plastic wrap. Set the bowl in a warm location and let rise until doubled in size.

Punch the dough down. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough in half.  Roll out one dough ball into an 11 x 9-inch rectangle. 

Mix the cinnamon in the cherry pie filling. Spread half of the pie filling to within 1/2-inch of the edges.  Sprinkle half of the nuts over the top, if desired. Starting at the long end, roll up the dough.  Pinch seam to seal. 

Cut the dough into 11 equal slices. Place the rolls on a baking sheet in the shape of a tree.  Place one roll at the top. Then arrange 2 rolls with sides touching just under that one. The next row will have 3 rolls, and then the next row will have 4 rows. Place one roll at the bottom to be the trunk of the tree, centering it where the middle two rolls meet. 

Repeat with the second dough ball.

Cover and let rise until doubled in size. This can take about 30 minutes or more.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown. 

While the rolls are baking, make the glaze by combining powdered sugar, milk, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk.  You will want the glaze to be a little thicker than pancake batter.  If you need the glaze thicker, add more powdered sugar. If you require a thinner glaze, add more milk. 

Decorate the trees with candied cherries.  Drizzle the glaze over the tops of the warm rolls.  Sprinkle some colored sugar over the top.

Serve and enjoy!

Cornflake Candy

This is an old-fashioned candy recipe that has been around for many years.  It is very easy to make and tastes great.

Ingredients

5 c. corn flakes
2 c. crispy rice cereal
2 c. salted peanuts (optional)
1 c. sugar
1 c. whipping cream
1 c. white corn syrup

Directions

Butter a 9 x 13-inch cake pan.

In a large heatproof bowl, combine corn flakes, crispy rice cereal and peanuts. Set aside.

In a large saucepan, combine sugar, whipping cream and corn syrup.  Stirring constantly, bring to a boil and cook until the mixture reaches the hard ball stage or 260° on a candy thermometer.  

Pour the hot mixture over the cereals and nuts.  Mix well.

Spoon into prepared pan.  Carefully pat the mixture evenly in the pan.  Cut into squares before the mixture cools completely.