Earth Day Lollipops

My prayers are with the victims and their families after yesterday's
 vicious and heartbreaking attack on what was supposed to be one of Boston's happier days.

Our hearts are heavy and saddened as we question why.

May God bless them all.

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You will need: Blue and green hard Jolly Ranchers, lollipop sticks,

 cookie treat pan, cooking spray and a hammer!

Homemade Caramels

Homemade Caramels..they've been on my mind for way too long and I simply Had to make them today!

 (I thought) I had all my ingredients together to make this delicious candy. Is a pastry brush an ingredient?! Well, I don't have one! I was pretty bummed. 

So..I started scouring every candy book I own. Then..something wonderful happened! I found a super easy caramel recipe in this book by Mildred Brand. I made a couple of minor adjustments and the next thing I knew, I had made my first ever batch of Homemade Caramels!

 Somehow I finally feel validated as an amateur candy maker! Whoo hoo! Now all I have to do is decaramelize my camera.

If you'd like to make some amazing Chocolate Dipped Turtle Sticks using this caramel recipe, click here!

 I omitted the salt as I used salted butter. This is an old recipe that calls for an obsolete size can of condensed milk so I added a little heavy cream. And finally, instead of just vanilla I also added coconut extract.

Always use a heavy saucepan and wooden spoon to make cooked candies.

Yes I needed both of these pictures! The condensed milk just looks so pretty pouring in!

This is the best thermometer ever. I've used it to make countless batches of marshmallows. Like these and these and these!

 Keep stirring!

Once the thermometer reaches 245 degrees, remove from heat, 
stir in flavoring/s, and pour the candy into prepared dish.

 Do not scrape the caramel out of the pan. Any leftovers you can just eat for yourself! 

Let cool and completely set before cutting. 

 Lightly spray a long sharp knife with cooking spray. Score the caramel.

 Then, using a gentle sawing motion cut through the candy. Perfect!

 Recipe adapted from Penny's Time Saving Caramels in Ideals Candy Cookbook

Simply Delicious Caramel Recipe

1 cup salted butter

2 1/4 cups brown sugar, firmly packed

1 cup light corn syrup

1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk

1/8 cup heavy cream *edit ~ I no longer add the heavy cream*

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon coconut extract *if you don't care for coconut, just use one full teaspoon of vanilla*

In a heavy saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in sugar. Then add corn syrup mixing well. Add condensed milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly. (this is when I clip on my thermometer making sure it doesn't touch bottom of pan) Cook over medium heat continuing to stir constantly. Cook to 245 degrees. Remove from heat and stir in flavorings. Pour into dish prepared with parchment paper and cooking spray. Now you can lick the spoon!

Let candy sit till completely cool and set. Score and cut. I cut mine after 5 1/2 hours. Next time I think I'll let mine set overnight to completely "harden". These are soft, chewy & delicious!
Wishing You A Sweet Day From
Sugartown Sweets
Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave a comment. :o)

Embossed Birthday Cookies

I Love Pink! It's absolutely my favorite color. When my hubby and I travel, one of the souvenirs I like to pick up are tees to wear around the house. I can almost never find one in pink! Do y'all think I can find one at SeaWorld? In the mean time to get my pink fix, I made these Peanut Butter Embossed Cookies for my granddaughter's birthday party. I am in love with embossed fondant. 
I also made these for Valentines' Day. Let's emboss!

 I picked this embossing folder up at Michael's craft store.

I don't mind coloring white fondant..unless I'm feeling lazy, which is most of the time. 

Wilton ready to use is my go to brand.

Some items you'll need. (plus a small paintbrush and luster dust)

 This pretty in pink luster dust gives the fondant a nice sheen.

Cut out cookies are great but I wanted super yummy ones for the party.
 I found these perfect pink peanut butter cookies at Life Is Sweets. Just click on the link for the recipe.

Wishing You A Sweet Day From

SUGARTOWN SWEETS!

Thanks for visiting my blog.

All comments are welcome. :o)

Peas, Carrots & Potatoes..Or Are They? April Fools'!

I'm remembering my Mom's totally yucky peas, carrots and potatoes as a kid! (I like them now) These are much tastier though..because they're really sweet! "A Spoonful of Sugar..." Happy April Fools' Everybody!

Just dip a spoon in the ready made frosting and place the candy peas & carrots for the eyes and nose!
 Sweet and Easy! :o)

 Wishing You A Sweet Day From

Sugartown Sweets!

Thanks for stopping by!

All comments are welcome.