Homemade Candy Corn

I saw this recipe over on The Frugal Girls website and decided this recipe was a must because it's one of my favorite candies and we can't buy it here in Norway.  It was a super hit at our 1st Halloween party. 

YUMMY!

My ingredients. Here’s what I used:

• 2 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar
• 1/4 cup powdered milk or (powdered creamer - what I used)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup light corn syrup
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla
• Red and yellow food coloring
• 
  

1. Combine the first 3 ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

2. In a medium saucepan, bring granulated sugar, corn syrup, and butter to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to low and cook an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly.

3. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Add in the dry milk, salt, and sugar mixture and mix well.

4. Let the dough cool for a few minutes until it’s just cool enough to handle. (Don’t let it sit too long or it will be harder to handle in the next steps.)

5. Divide into 3 parts. Add a few drops of food coloring to desired portions and knead well by hand.

6. Roll each portion into long ropes. Once ropes are formed, push one of each color together so you have 3 stripes.

Special notes:

• I separated each of the colors into 6 ropes rather than one long rope.
• I could not find powdered milk - the powdered coffee creamer worked fine
• Sifting is important ! We didn’t sift and had to knead forever to pick out the small hard balls of dry ingredients. Worked out fine, but was just a little time consuming for something that could have been prevented.
• Make sure you have some extra hands to help, makes it faster to cut and the dough can get hard fast.
• the gel food coloring works great with the dough - almost like working with fondant.
• the extra dough from the ropes, we made jack-o-lanterns.
• this recipe is nice because there aren’t so many additives like the store bought kind.
• Where did I find this recipe: Link:http://quiverfullofblessings.com/2011/10/16/homemade-candy-corn/

Easy Paprika Cheese Ball Recipe

Easy Paprika Cheese Ball 

Ranch dressing mix lends an herb-y tang to this cream cheese and mozzarella combo; the crunch comes from chopped nuts.

"A delicious and easy way to enjoy a simple appetizer with just a few ingredients. Serve with crackers  or sliced French bread and enjoy!  

Prep Time:
5 Min

Ready In:
2 Hrs

Original Recipe Yield 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients

·             2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

·            1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix

·           ½ sweet red pepper (diced into extra small cubes)

·           2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or cheddar cheese

·          ¼ cup parmesan cheese

·          1/2 tsp paprika

·         1 1/2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts – (I like to mix half & half )

Directions

  In a medium size bowl, mash cream cheese. Mix dressing mix, paprika seasoning, diced sweet red pepper and cheese into the cream cheese. Shape the mixture into a ball. Roll the ball in the chopped nuts. Refrigerate covered until ready to serve. Yum!

* I usually make 4 cheese balls with this recipe and freeze them.  Put in the refrigerator the day before use. Perfect for having around the holidays.

Watch the SEASONS change through my KITCHEN WINDOW

Through my kitchen window

                                                        Our first snow fall   - October 21, 2010

 

                         I watch the SEASONS change...


                           leaves FALL... then SNOW...

Spring BLOSSOMS

Summer Nights with daylight..

I watch the SEASONS change through my kitchen window.

 

 

 

 

 

 


 







Chanterelle and wild rice soup recipe

Chanterelle and wild rice soup:
The textures of this soup are almost as good as the flavors.

1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 pound Chanterelles, shredded
1/2 cup white wine
2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1-1/2 cups evaporated milk
1 cup cooked wild rice (or blend of brown & wild rices)
ground black pepper to taste
Heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and mushrooms and saute. Gradually add wine. Add stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add cooked rice, evaporated milk, and pepper, and simmer until heated through. Serves 4.

Do you want that cozy fall fragrance in your home?

Here are some Simmering Pot Recipes to share with you.  

 My favorite recipe for this time of year is:


2 TBS whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
5 star anise
Whole cloves
1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp apple pie or pumpkin pie spice

Directions

• Fill a saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Add the ingredients from your favorite recipe, boil for a few minutes, then turn the heat down to simmer all day. Top up water as needed.

Caution: Set your timer for 30 minutes so you remember to top up with water. You don’t want the pot burning dry. Do not leave the house with this left heating on the stove.

 My mother always did this in our home growing up, it always was a nice and cozy aroma.  


The scent is so strong it goes through the entire house and I can even smell it outside! ..... It's great to add to that cozy atmosphere ! ...




*** Makes some sweet little gifts for family and friends too!  
you just need:
small baby food glass jars 
big batch of ingredients
layer the ingredients
add some ribbon to the jar
= thoughtful little gift for the season.

Recipe #1 – Christmas Potpourri Simmering Pot

3 sprigs evergreen or handful pine needles
2 cinnamon sticks
2 TBS whole cloves
2 bay leaves
2 pieces orange rind
2 pieces lemon rind

Recipe #2

1 cup dried lavender
1 tsp anise
1 TBS nutmeg
1 TBS whole cloves
1 Cinnamon stick

Recipe #3

2 sticks cinnamon
Peel from one lemon
Fresh rosemary
Whole cloves

CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE RECIPES: 


http://tipnut.com/fragrant-home-13-simmering-pot-recipes/