Caramel Apples

This past weekend we went to visit family. I wanted to bring them something hand-made and fall...I made them Caramel Apples. I used the home-made Caramel recipe that I had previously posted for Caramel Popcorn. I also used Granny Smith apples to give them a little bit of tart to combat the sweetness. I double dipped them in the Caramel, and then rolled some in milk chocolate toffee bits, drizzled with dark chocolate. In others (for the kids) I decorated them in M&M's and/or Candy Corn, and sprinkles. I also let my kids make some for themselves and they had them eaten in their entirety all in one night!

Caramel Brownies

So I promised to let you know what I decided to do with my left-over caramel from Sunday.....I do not think Caramel Popcorn is worth using up my treat quota for the day, so I did not even try it...you know only use the treat allowance on something perfectly honorable and worthy.

Thus comes the Caramel Brownies!

The recipe is a very easy one, found in most every recipe book around...it is the one that you begin with a cake mix. My adaption, that really sent them over the top, is that I used my new homemade caramel. These Brownies could have even the toughest of chocoholics satisfied!

In fact after pulling them out of the oven and waiting for them to cool...I had the most perfect, rich one of all....and then suffered with a sugar overload headache for the rest of the night....growing a human can really mess you up! Well, because I apparently cannot hold my own with chocolate richness now that I am growing this sweet little human, I have not dared even look at the brownies again... and they sit in the refrigerator...lonely. Anyone care to come and take them off my hands?

Chocolate Caramel Brownies:

1 chocolate cake mix (I used german choc.)

2/3 c evaporated milk, divided

1/2 c melted butter

1 c chocolate chips

1 pkg caramels (milk maid brand...or homemade!)

Mix cake mix, melted butter and 1/3 c evaporated milk until crumbly (I had to add a bout 1/4 c extra flour...I used whole wheat pastry flour to help the dough not be as sticky) Press 1/2 of mixture in 9x13 pan and bake for 8 min. at 350 degree's. Meanwhile, combine caramels and 1/3 cup evaporated milk, melt and pour over baked crust. Top caramel portion with chocolate chips and remain dough return to oven and bake for an additional 18 to 20 min. Let cool and cut into bars. Store in refrigerator.

Wonderful Weekends!

We had a weekend at home enjoying each others company, and our church general conference on TV....We have had a family tradition for the last two years, that twice yearly at conference we make homemade caramel popcorn...

I was actually hoping that the kiddo's might forget this time around, but alas as I was still lying in bed early Sunday morning I hear one say, "YEAH! It's caramel popcorn time!" So I was not off the hook. I have the best, most decedent, chewy caramel corn recipe you could ask for. I got it from a neighbor a very long time ago. It is rich and should be used on plain, freshly popped popcorn. We did not have plain popcorn, I discovered on Sunday morning, so I had to use the "Movie Theatre Butter" microwave version that I cringe at even buying for them. (husband likes BUTTA and lots of it!) So I went back and forth, do I really let them indulge their little bodies with enough fat and sugar to feed an elephant in one handful of popcorn...or do away with one of their apparently cherished childhood memories? I made the corn. The girls helped and it was more memories in the making. I rationalized it a little by going easy on the caramel and saving the rest of it in a pint jar to use either on ice cream...or you will see what working out 7 days a week lately... led me to do with it later.

Here is the recipe for the perfect caramel, to go on popcorn...or anything else your heart desires:

Caramel Popcorn:

1/2 c butter

1 c corn syrup

1 can sweetened condensed milk (I used low-fat)

2 c brown sugar

Melt butter, add syrup and bring to a boil. Add milk and sugar and bring to boil, stir constantly for about 5 to 8 minuets or until soft ball stage. Pour over popcorn.

**I added raw almonds, you know to make it healthy:)