Thursday, December 22, 2011

Some of my Favorite Things!



...Oh yes, love Black Licorice Caramels!  One of my favorite treats during the Holiday's and better yet I do them in the microwave! 

 My sister Helen gave me this recipe and I'm sharing it today on my blog, and if you don't like black licorice and think you wouldn't like these, well think twice!

 Black Licorice Caramels

1 can sweetened condensed milk    
2 c. sugar                                       
1 c. butter                                       
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. light corn syrup
3/4 tsp. black food coloring paste
3/4 tsp. anise oil (order through a pharmacy or check cake decor section at WalMart)

Stove top directions:
Mix all together but food coloring and anise oil.  Cook stirring constantly on medium heat to 235 degrees to 240 degrees.  Take off heat.  Add oil and food coloring.  Spread on bar pan.  Let cool.  Cut into 1/2" pieces and wrap in wax paper.  


Microwave directions:
First melt butter in large Pyrex glass bowl in microwave.  Add the rest of the ingredients to the melted butter and mix.
Cook for 5 minutes and stir
Cook for another 5 minutes and stir
Cook for another 7 1/2 minutes stirring every 2 minutes
Add oil and food coloring.  Spread on bar pan.  Let cool.  Cut into 1/2" pieces and wrap in wax paper.

ENJOY!!


Another yummy favorite treat is Mint White Hot Chocolate!


The best White Hot Chocolate you can find at the store!!  I get it at Albertson's and you must mix it with milk, not water.  Yummier that way!  Add a little mint and wala....yummy and way cheaper than Starbucks!

This time of year I'm always on the look out for Glass Ornaments.  I started collecting glass ornaments a few years back along with my sister's, sister-n-law and mom.  We got the idea from my Aunt who has the coolest Christmas tree with hundreds of glass ornaments on it!

These are a few of my favorites!

...also picked up one of my favorite Decor Magazines yesterday!




The inspiration is endless!!!

.....and last but not least I spent time with my favorite person last night!  My husband!  We packaged some quilt patterns!!  My husband has been so supportive and I love him so much!!


~Jenny~

8 comments:

Unknown said...

I'll be purchasing the missing ingredients after the holidays and trying these caramels - thanks for sharing with us Jenny
Oh, isn't it great to see a whole box full of your patterns - what a marvellous achievement, can't wait to see what else you have in the creative vaults you have for us, and what you do with the inspiration you've found

Natalie said...

glass ornaments don't live in my house. my dog or husband would surely knock them off and inevitably break them. I like the banana one!

Cascade Quilts said...

oh, these sound YUMMMMMY! I have GOT to add these to the list of 'to do' goodies! I am starting baking today, so I'll run to the store early to get some anise oil (only have anise extract). I usually do old-fashioned caramels, but when I tried to make them last year on my glass-top stove, they didn't work (not consistent enough heat). So, these should be a welcome exchange for the old-fashioned caramels! And who doesn't love black licorice?! MMMMM!

Andrea, Fabric Envy said...

The Black Licorice Carmels are truly amazing. I had some of Jenny's just a couple weeks ago at a party--delish'!

Sherril said...

Merry Christmas!!!!I am counting on your sister Helen to bring the Black Licorice. Oh the memories of shopping for the glass ornaments. (So fun) We need a few more of those days. Love you

CapitolaQuilter said...

I tried to find anis oil so that my boys and I could make your recipe but no luck and the stores have become crazy. We'll just have to make and eat it ourselves in the New Year. I just finished my second table runner gift using the Quick Curve Ruler and am excited for tomorrow when my Mom opens it.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.

mail order brides russian said...
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Esther said...

Hi Jenny, I've wanted to make the licorice caramels since you posted this recipe. I finally found anise oil and will be making then soon. I know they wouldn't be black, but do you think they would be okay if I left out the food coloring?