If you love Salty & Sweet ... read on :)

So I guess before last weekend I hadn't posted in say... about 6 months... ouch... I guess I am making up for my absence, by bombarding you with posts... sorry about that :)

Today I am going to be featuring my pretzels. Not sure why I have never done that, but here ya go :)

Chocolate covered pretzels are kind of an awesome thing... you get the salty and the sweet to balance eachother out, and also you get to feel slightly less guilty because after all, a pretzel is healthy right? And one could also argue that chocolate is healthy... so we just have to figure out a way to say sprinkles or candy bars are healthy... hmmmm... I will work on that and get back to you ;)

So I do 3 different sizes of pretzels, the mini twist, the large twist and the pretzel rod.  And actually it is more of a  small rod comparatively, (no not the miniscule ones you find at bars and parties to dip with) but not quite the large rods that are like a foot long.  Maybe not that big but almost ;) ... I find them a lot more manageable than the huge ones... I honestly have a hard time eating the large ones... it's a bit much :)

So what is so special about these pretzels? Well I will tell you... not only are they not only dipped but DOUBLE dipped in creamy milk chocolate (or white or dark... whatever your little heart desires) then they are drenched in toppings.  Not sprinkled... not covered, but literally drenched.  I cover all sides copiously with whatever yummies you desire. Then after all that... I drizzle with your choice of chocolate - even colored if you need something to match a color or theme for your party ... not only does it help it look finished, but also helps all the yummies stay in place :) Which is a good thing... And trust me... it is an experience :)

"So what yummies can I cover my pretzels with?" you might be asking? Here is a short list... but if you have anything in mind that you would like to see... let me know! I love doing custom orders and finding fun new flavors!

Candy- like Toffee (mine is homemade but tastes like Skor or Heath Bars :)), Butterfinger (I do use the original on this one... can't beat it...yet that is ;))  & M&Ms Minis (or full size... they just don't fit quite as nicely as the minis :)- but you can get seasonal colors and flavors in the full size, so that's a plus :))
Marshmallow
Caramel
Nuts
Sprinkles
Peanut Butter Chips (my normal for this one is dipping it in Peanut Butter chips- Reeses PB Chips- then dipping it in milk chocolate, then swirling it in the PB chocolate, then finally covering it in chopped PB chips.... and nuts... if you so desire... it's kind of a PB explosion if you will :))
Mini Chocolate Chips 
Oreos
White Chocolate Peppermint Oreo (one of my personal favorites :))

Now I will say this... My pretzels are never coated in candy coating (ok... whatever possessed someone to say that is chocolate? Chocolate flavor? Come on... really???) I use only REAL 100% Milk, Semi Sweet, and White Chocolate, as I do with all my chocolates and goodies.  I actually make a custom mixture of milk and semi sweet for my milk chocolate- it gives you not only the smooth and silky texture of milk, but the rich flavor of the semi sweet. You may request one or the other, but if none is specified, then I use the mixture. And just an FYI :) I use a custom blend of Nestle, Hershey's and Ghiradelli chocolates- sometimes a little Guittard if I can get it- just because they all have different qualities and characteristics... so yah... I am a bit of a chocolate snob... fanatic I suppose... what can I say!  I love chocolate :) And I hope that loves comes through in every yummy somewhat healthy bite :)

Prices are as follows :)
One topping:
Mini Twists- $5 per 2 dozen
Large Twists- $4 per dozen
Rods-  $4 per dozen

Specialty:  up to 2 different toppings (like the White Chocolate Peppermint Oreo).  Add $1 to price above

Deluxe: Up to 4 different toppings (you crazy person you ;)) Shall we call this the kitchen sink?  Add $2.50 to price above

To order some yummies- you can email me here - or contact me on Facebook here :)  I really hope to have an interactive purchasing basket on my website very soon!!!


So what fun toppings can you come up with?

Cups O' Deliciousness :) And Totally Random Life Convergences :)

I thought I would let you guys see a little of what I was up to yesterday :) A very sweet friend and neighbor of mine has some raspberry canes growing in her backyard - and since they are pretty hard to find in the stores anywhere, I asked her if I might be able to buy some from her.  She came up with the awesome idea of bartering for candy :) Hey... I can do that!!! :)

Funny story how she came to be a fan of my chocolate... and one of those "wow- small world!" moments :) A friend and coworker of my husband's, when he worked at the Cottontree Inn in Bountiful a while back, called me up out of the blue 2 Christmases ago.  He remembered the candy that I brought into work for my husband and the crew 2 Christmases before THAT (4 Christmases ago... if you lost me ;)) and wanted to know if he could order some for his friends and coworkers.  Wow... is what went through my mind ... We hadn't talked or anything for over a year so I was a bit surprised to say the least- and so totally flattered!! I made him 4 tins of candy and he even drove from Provo to come and pick them up! (Provo is over an hour south of us here in Layton).

Move ahead a few months, when a newlywed couple moves in 2 houses down from us.  We meet them at church, and they are 2 of the sweetest people you'll ever meet. He was recruited immediately to Scouts- teaching my youngest son, and she was called to Young Womens teaching my oldest daughter :) So already we had interactions with them- then one spring day when I was out sweeping my driveway, who should come walking up the street but hubby's old coworker :) who happens to be Mr. Newlywed's best friend from High School... and they were one of the recipients of my candy at Christmas! Once she found that out, she has been a loyal customer ever since! And the last little wow moment was we found out that their anniversary just so happens to be my birthday ;)) I mean come on... was there an alignment of stars there or what???

So yesterday was the first day it was below 80 degrees- and we do not have air conditioning... so the warm days, as you can imagine, aren't very conducive to candy making ;) But since I knew a storm (and a cool one at that) was coming in, I figured it would be a great time to make some goodies and get those raspberry bushes ready for this summer! I make a bunch of different varieties of candy with raspberries and strawberries during the summer- like these I made last year :) (for before mentioned cutie pie neighbors for their anniversary... on my birthday ;))

Romance on a platter... n'est-ce pas? (Isn't it? in french... sorry) And see those cute little berries at the bottom?  Bride and Groom Berries- and the Bride berry had sparkling sugar on it for some extra bling (since you can't see it here :)) I thought they were pretty cute! And the strawberries in the middle is how I dip my berries... first in white, then dip in dark, then drizzle with white... it's a totally mind blowing experience... seriously!

... and now that I will be growing them myself :) it's not only cheaper, but fresher- and you know fresh always taste better!!!

Now I made a variety of caramel, coconut, and nut combinations, fruity "s'more" combinations, and some fudge cups.  I am not quite sure why I didn't realize til I was done that I hadn't done any of my usuals... peanut butter cups (of which many of my customers will tell you are better than Reeses Peanut Butter Cups...) or pretzels... but if today stays as cool and breezy I may just do those later :)
Here's a sampling of what we did yesterday :)

4 Different Fudge Cups... Fudge... dipped in chocolate :) Could you get any better than that??? ;) (am I channeling Chandler from Friends here?... maybe... wow... I feel old right now...)

(and yes, I made this on a collage website :) actually a few websites... but it was fun :))(One link takes you to photovisi.com where I did the collage, and the other takes you to picmonkey.com where I did the editing... feel free to check them out :))

6 Different Smore Cups- (well 4 kinds, just 2 different chocolates :)) What are S'More cups you ask??? Well... they are homemade marshmallows in a variety of flavors (all made with real fruit pieces and juice :)), with a yummy Graham Cracker/Nilla Wafer/ Cookie base, and either hand-dipped in chocolate (white or my combination of dark and milk... dalk? mirk? don't think so...) or put in a cute little cup of said chocolate - like you see here :)

The banana and raspberry cups are available in both dark and white chocolate.

We also did all kinds of combinations of nuts, caramel and coconut...
And here is an example of the caramel recipe here...  made with the homemade sweetened condensed milk recipe here ... just look at that caramel stretch... it's beautiful isn't it?? Almost brings a tear to my eye ;)

Here are a few pictures-  toasted coconut... nuts... caramel... coconut marshmallow- in every combination possible- with almonds, peanuts, cashews and macadamia nuts... and even a little peanut butter marshmallow for good measure... this is just a sampling... we made about 10 lbs worth :)

 see? My smiley obsession has passed on to my pictures... I really do need help don't I???

So... if you feel the need to contact me and place an order? Don't fight the urge ;) Just click on the little link there, or there's a link at the top of the blog :) I would if it were me!

And to all of you a very happy weekend! Sweet Dreamz!
Renee 

Confessions of a Cheap... uh... Frugal :) Candy Maker

I am going to tell you something that will totally shock and amaze you...

no I'm totally serious...

Candy is NOT that expensive to make....

GASP! Whaaaaat?! Say it ain't so!!!

When you walk into a candy store, and they are charging you a bazillion dollars a pound (ok... about $10 or even more :) but still...) you can laugh and turn your little self right around.  And call me .... hehehe .... ;) Just kidding... kind of :) Please do!

True story... a friend and I were at a mall in SLC and decided to go into a candy store (which shall remain nameless of course to protect the innocent ;)).  At this time I had just been making truffles and other such "fancy" candies for a few years so I knew what it took to make them... well, when we asked why they charged such and such a price for truffles, they said because the ingredients are expensive and they take a really long time to make.   I tried not to laugh... seriously... because honestly, the truffles that they made, while they were delicious don't get me wrong :) were soft.  Now this means one of two things, they used more cream, or less chocolate than the recipe that Lindt uses- and the one that I use.  Truffles should be firm.  You should get teeth marks in it.  Yes it should be super duper beyond silky smooth... but it should be firm. These... were not.  Now, really... that is all truffles are is cream and chocolate (and butter) ... go ask any candy maker.  Ganache is what truffles are, and ganache is cream, chocolate and butter.  Now how is that expensive? And if they are skimping on the most expensive part of the candy (the chocolate) then seriously... I think it is just a ploy by candy makers to make people think that they couldn't possibly EVER do what they do.  Because if they knew... they would probably go home and make it themselves.  Which is why I started making them :) Now, there is some time required to make truffles... most of it waiting for the ganache to chill and set.  I can literally make 2 lbs of truffles in an hour or less (HAND rolling and dipping mind you- (no little scoop for me like they use...) even less time if they are made big like the ones in said store.) And this is using REAL cream, and REAL chocolate. No joke. So now you can see why I tried to contain my laughter. 

Now... I may be killing myself here... I mean what candy maker would tell others their secrets??? I would make a mint if I sold my truffles for what the major stores do.  However, I believe in honesty. I charge the most for candies that take the most time and effort (and expensive ingredients) to make.  That's it.  And many people don't really want to take the time to do what I do.  Which is fine with me :).  What I do, to me, is fun, and quite honestly, stress relief for me.  For some people baking and cooking is worse than a root canal... which is why they buy the stuff they don't want to make.  It isn't worth it to them.  If a hobby isn't fun... then it's not really worth the time to do is it?

There... now I told you my secret...

I also wanted to share with you my most awesome secret recipe I have found this year.  Sweetened Condensed Milk.  The super duper rich thick concoction in a little can... that costs upwards of $1.50 per 14 oz. (or about 1 cup)ON SALE... ouch. Which is why I have always avoided the recipes that can be made with it... until now that is :) I can tell you how to make your very own sweetened condensed milk for less than $.60 for over a cup.  again... GASP! And it works just as well as any canned milk can in candy recipes.  (and dessert recipes... I will have to share a couple super awesome recipes with you later on...) They come from this amazing website... Everyday Food Storage.  Now, if you are a beginning food storer or even one of those people who have basements with shelves lined with water and generators, and TONS of food... this website is absolutely priceless.  So here it goes:

Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 cup sugar
1 cup powdered milk (2 cups instant/ 1 cup non instant- check your package :))
1/2 cup boiling water
1 TB butter (NOT margarine)

While you are boiling your water, place all other ingredients in the blender (yes you heard right :)) Pour the boiling water over the mixture and blend.... that's it! No super secret techniques... no amazing tricks... just blend until ultra smooth, and cool :)

See? I told you it was awesome! So now, when you make any recipe that calls for sweetened condensed milk and you don't have any on hand? Don't cry... just whip out your powdered milk and your blender and you are good to go.  (thanks of course goes to the amazing Crystal from the Everyday Food Storage website. Yay Crystal!!!) Now go... make those awesome microwave caramels I told you about last week... :) (click the link for the recipe :)) You're so very welcome... I just feel so darn giving today :)

Hope you all have a wonderful rest of your week!!! Sweet Dreamz!!
Renee :D

Kids + Cooking = Love :) and Some SUPER Quick Yummy Candy Recipes

I have to tell you, I absolutely love cooking with my kids.  Ever since they were young- if they wanted to help, or if they wanted something, I always had them sitting with me, learning how to cook. Teaching them how to cook has been a huge priority in my life, and I definitely love seeing the fruits of that labor :)

Tonight, my youngest son and eldest daughter made dessert- Muddy Buddies (aka Puppy Chow... whatever you want to call it :)) and Oh Henry Bars.  Yes, kind of a peanut butter/chocolate/cereal theme going on :) Both take less than 15 minutes to make, less than 10 ingredients and are delicious :) Now, we have done some pretty complicated foods in our house, but the easy ones are fun once in a while, and awesome confidence boosters! They give the kids the satisfaction of saying that they made them completely by themselves! My youngest son is just a sponge- when he wants to be of course- he has ADHD :) but he is always watching, asking questions, and becoming quite the little chef!  At 11 years old, he can make a pretty amazing poached egg (and has been making awesome fried eggs for a few years) and quite a few other things, including Spaghetti and Stroganoff. My eldest daughter- she will be 15 in just a few short months... (eek!) has also been quite the little connoisseur in the kitchen- a few of her favorite things to make are Shephards Pie and Baked Potato Soup. (yum!) And they can make them completely independantly :) That isn't to say my other 2 aren't just as good of cooks- my youngest daughter (13 yrs) really has a knack in the kitchen as well, my oldest son (12yrs)... well... he will cook, and he is very good, but he doesn't really enjoy it as much as the others.

Now other than taking some stress off of me, especially when I was pretty sick a few years ago, it gives them a sense of responsibility, and also a sense of accomplishment, that can really not be taught any other way! They are preparing themselves for life when they leave the home, and that really is one of my number one goals, if nothing else, I will know they are capable of taking care of themselves.  They know how to do their own laundry, do pretty much any chore in the house- even some home maintenance.  All of this mostly willingly :) And I think if you don't already have your kids helping you cook, you should definitely try it.  Your kids will definitely thank you when they are older. :)

Here are the recipes for these delicious and fun treats :) They don't heat up your kitchen (and since it hit almost 85 today that is definitely a plus!:)) and they store pretty well!

My kids didn't really want to be pictured for the end result... but maybe another time :)

  Muddy Buddies
I have actually modified a few recipes :) from Chex.com- feel free to check others out- there are some pretty amazing snack mixes there- quite a few that I am dying to try! (the Lemon Buddies are seriously calling my name...)




1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup creamy (or chunky if you so desire) peanut butter (I recommend Jif peanut butter for almost all my recipes- it has the most true peanutty flavor of all the ones that I have used- and not a lot of sugar)
1 TB butter
9 cups of Chex - any type you prefer 
about 1/2 c powdered sugar
Melt the first 3 ingredients at 50% power in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. 
Stir til  smooth and pour over the cereal.  Gently stir til the cereal is evenly coated.  Put powdered sugar in a large paper bag and shake til the cereal is again, evenly coated.  Spread out on a piece of waxed paper, separating the pieces as much as possible if you want individual pieces.

Oh Henry Bars 
*This is the first candy recipe I ever made- and one that has a special place in my heart :) It is super impressive, (I get so many comments on it and recipe requests ;)!)  but, as you will see, soooo easy! I have no idea where my mom got it- it was just on a well worn recipe card! So I apologize!!!

1 c light corn syrup (DO NOT use dark)

1 c sugar
1 c creamy or chunky peanut butter (see above description :)) 
1 c dry roasted peanuts
5 cups Rice Krispies ** see note below
1-2 cups butterscotch chips *
1-2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips*
*I use only one cup of each (half a 12 oz bag of each type)  but feel free to use more if you prefer more chocolate!

Line a 9*13 pan with foil and grease well. Set aside.
Put corn syrup and sugar in a pot and over Medium- high heat, stir until sugar is dissolved and the mixture starts to boil- just a few minutes :). Add the peanut butter and stir, taking off of the heat, then add peanuts and cereal.  You need to work relatively quickly because the candy will start to set, and make it hard to put in the pan.  Pour mixture into the greased pan and press into the pan firmly.  Still working quickly, sprinkle both chips over the top, fairly evenly mixing the two (but it doesn't really matter because you will be spreading them out later).  Put a piece of foil over the top to trap the heat for about 10 minutes.  After this time, you can take off the foil, and spread the melted chips over the bars.  Now another tip...  score the bars when they are warm- it makes it sooooo much easier to cut later and take them out of the pan! Let set, and enjoy!!! If you like peanut butter and chocolate, you will love these- they are awesome!!!

** Just a few tips about these bars- they are definitely best at room temperature!!! If you try to eat them cold or even frozen, you may hurt yourself :)) They are (with 5 cups of Rice Krispies) , very much like Rice Krispy Treats, only with a peanutty caramel base instead of soft marshmallow.  With 4 cups, it becomes more candy bar-ish - almost Baby Ruth-like in texture - this is the way I prefer them! But please- feel free to adjust up or down to your personal preference!)

Well, I hope you try these recipes with your kids sometime in the very near future- your kids will have smiles a mile wide when they see what they can do!!! And what better reward can there be than that?! (well... the yummy treats come in a definite second :))

As always- have a most fantabulous evening- and Sweet Dreamz!!!
Renee :D

The candy man... uh woman.. :) CAN!

Contrary to somewhat popular belief, candy making really isn't that scary... Yes, it is a little more temperamental than other baking and cooking, but once you get the hang of it, it really can be a lot of fun! :) I have been making candy for quite a while- and though it was just at Christmas time for friends and neighbors at first, now it's hard to find a time of year that isn't made better with some handmade sweets! 

Now, yes I did notice that the last few posts have been "recipe-less" and what better time to remember to share some of my favorite recipes- than in a candy post!

This last Christmas, as usual, I was searching for a new recipe to add to my "repertoire", if you will, and toffee and caramel have always been those things that I just haven't been able to find JUST the right recipe for.  Sure, they were ok... but well... just not perfect.  Then I landed on this easy recipe for Caramels from the Sassy Classy Blog and it just seemed to be exactly what I was looking for- super yummy, super easy, and of course, totally impressive :) And I will now share it with you!!!

  

Microwave... yes I said Microwave Caramels

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup Light Karo Syrup (not dark- it doesn't set right)
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk* I will try to share a recipe for homemade sweetened condensed milk soon... so much cheaper than buying and just as good!
1 t. vanilla
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Buttered 8x8 baking dish

Melt butter in large microwave bowl. Stir in syrup, both sugars and the sweetened condensed milk. Mix well until dissolved. Microwave on high 3-1/2 minutes. Stir down and scrape sides of bowl. Microwave on high another 3-1/2 minutes. (this will be soft-ball stage). Stir in vanilla and nuts (if you are using them). Pour into buttered and foiled dish and refrigerate until set. (you could totally add a few sprinkles of sea salt if you like salted caramel :)) When it is set, you can pull up the foil to bring it out of the dish to cut- it makes it alot easier :) . If desired, you may cut into 1/2 inch squares (or larger... or smaller) and wrap each in wax paper. I will admit that a lot of my candies only incorporate caramel- so I haven't ever wrapped it in waxed paper, but please feel free to do so! They are delicious on their own!

Now tell me that isn't super easy... no candy thermometer needed! I think that is the one thing that keeps people from making candy- the thermometer is daunting... but also not many people just have one lying around.  This recipe uses things you probably have in your pantry! Now go try it! Go ahead... I'll wait!

As long as we are going with easy- I might as well tell you about another super impressive but super simple candy recipe that comes from the microwave- This one is from my absolute favorite food blog of all time... Our Best Bites :) Maybe you've heard of it, maybe you haven't, but trust me, if you haven't... go check it out! You will no doubt be as smitten as I am! Their recipes are awesome! One of my hands down favorites so far is their "Cinnamon Bun Caramel Corn". Now I have added a few notes (look for the **)- not that I think mine is better, I am just reminding myself what I did and liked... but you decide for yourself if you want to follow my directions or not.  Either way, you really have to try it. Seriously... I am so not kidding...

Cinnamon Bun Caramel Corn with Pecans and White Chocolate
Recipe only slightly adapted from  Our Best Bites

12 C popped popcorn (about 1/2 C unpopped kernels)*

1 C roughly chopped pecans

1 C brown sugar

3/4 t cinnamon ** I have used up to 1 tsp Saigon Cinnamon... yummy

1/4 C Karo syrup (or honey makes a good substitution)

1 stick real butter (1/2 C) **shhhhhh I have used margarine... and it is still ok, but best with butter :) It never quite fully crisps up as well with margarine though- just in case you don't have any butter on hand...

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. vanilla

**OPTIONAL 1/4 tsp pure orange extract  If you like orange rolls... try it. :) It's not a strong orange flavor, but people will sit there and wonder just what that delicious flavor is ... it just adds another dimension of flavor :)

3 squares white almond bark

*You can use air popped or microwave popcorrn-  personally I use the Whirley Pop pot... which I LOOOVE and highly recommend if you have never tried it :) but you can do whatever you choose! I have also mixed butter microwave popcorn half and half with the Whirley Pop popcorn, and that is equally delicious... the buttery popcorn really seems to enhance the richness :) but you don't get too much salt or butter because it is mixed with the plain.

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

Place popcorn and chopped pecans in one of those huge foil turkey pans from the dollar store, and put it in the oven just to stay warm while making the caramel. Just because that's what all the other caramel corn recipes I have made tell me to do... not because it really even makes a difference... it's just me :) You could just put it in a large bowl, or the pan and keep it on the counter... no big deal...

Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a 2 quart at LEAST microwave safe bowl. Mix well. Seriously... don't skip this step... not sure why but this DOES make a difference! Chop butter into chunks and put in the bowl with the brown sugar mix. Pour corn syrup over the top of all of it. Microwave on high for 30 seconds and then stir to combine. Return to microwave and heat for 2 minutes. Remove and stir and then microwave for 2 minutes more.

Remove from microwave and add in vanilla and baking soda. Stir to combine. Mixture will foam and rise... ALOT so this is why you need a bigger bowl than you think...  Pour caramel mixture over popcorn and pecans and stir very well so everything is well coated.

Place in oven and bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. I personally thought the popcorn wasn’t quite as crisp as I like it after it cooled and have baked it 10 to 15 minutes longer... (Like all candy, it is affected by humidity, so cooking times will vary slightly depending on the weather. Please feel free to take it out at whatever stage you prefer.  Some people like their caramel corn still a little gooey- to each their own :) Both ways are still yummy!)

Remove from oven and spread out on a large piece of parchment, waxed paper, or foil.

Melt almond bark according to package instructions. Please, please... PLEASE do not skip this step!!! Just trust me... even if you are not a fan of white chocolate or white almond bark- (like me :)) It is absolutely to die for!!! Drizzle over popcorn mixture with a fork. When almond bark is hardened and popcorn is cool, break into chunks and enjoy!

I totally dare you (in fact, I triple dog dare you ;)) to close your eyes and have some- you will swear that white chocolate with the popcorn tastes just like cinnamon bun frosting :) SOOOO good- it is totally addictive!!!Just ask my family :)

I promise I will share more candy recipes later- but I hope you try these and enjoy them!!!

Sweet Dreamz!

Renee :)