Candied Butter

I have an obsession.  I like to make candy but not just any candy, good candy.  Which is why I only make it during the months of November and December.  If I didn't limit myself, I would look like the Goodyear Blimp.  Even when I do make it, I share it.  It's my way of saying "thank you for all you do for me and my family."  And if I'm honest, I like to see people enjoying what I've made.  It is my greatest joy when I discover other people are as addicted to my candy as I am.

I started making candy early this year.  I came to realize that although they are some of my favorite people, I rarely give candy to my family.  Why?  I live in Idaho and most of them live in Utah.  Plus, I have 5 children.  The roads start to become questionable for traveling in November and we don't like to travel for the holidays.  Did I mention that I have 5 children?  I can't imagine trying to take everything you need for a family of 7 while trying to keep Santa's contributions to the holiday a secret.  I can feel my neck muscles start to tense up just thinking about it.  So, we stay home!

But this year, we needed to travel down to visit with a cousin before he left to serve a mission for our Church.  We wouldn't get to see him for 2 years!  Since he's one of our favorite people, we made the trek down to Utah.  Remembering my lapse of candy generosity, I made some to share. 

My brother had made a request for toffee or (as I refer to it) candied butter.  It's quick and easy but can be tempermental.  I'd found a recipe somewhere that I liked to use.  I thought my toffee was pretty good or I did until I tasted the toffee I made this year.  The only way to describe it was light and fluffy with just the right amount of crunch; in other words, it was heaven!  It was by far the best toffee I had ever made!  But I didn't understand what I had done differently this year.  I used the same recipe I had used every other year.  The only difference I can think of was I used butter that had been slowly brought up to room temperature and I cooked it on a lower temperature this year.  Whatever it was, I hope I can replicate the results!  I thought that I'd share the recipe so that you could try it too.

Butter Toffee

1 cup sweet cream butter (2 sticks) at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
3 Tbs. cold water


Grease a jellyroll pan with butter and set it aside.  In a heavy saucepan combine butter, sugar and water.  Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally*.  Do not scrape the sides of the pan!  Cook until the mixture has reached 290 degrees or the soft-crack stage**.  At this point, pour the mixture onto the greased pan.  Spread it out.  Chill and break into pieces. 

Enjoy!  But be careful, it is addicting.

Tips and Tricks

*       If you stir too much, the butter will separate itself and the toffee won't turn out right.

**     I do not use a thermometer to check the temperature, I use the cold water method.  I take a cup of cold water and drop in a small amount (less than 1/8 teaspoon) of the toffee to check for doneness.  By dropping the toffee into the cold water, you simulate what the toffee will look like once it's been cooled completely.  Take the toffee out of the cold water and eat it to see if it is done.  If not, repeat the process until it is perfect.  But be quick, toffee can change from good to bad in less than a few minutes.

***    After you have poured the mixture onto the pan, you can drop chocolate chips or cut up chocolate on top of the toffee.  Let the chocolate sit a few minutes; it will melt and then you can spread it all over the toffee.  You can even add nuts before the chocolate hardens. 

****   A word of warning, make sure to have your greased pan prepared before you start making the toffee.  The toffee only takes 15-20 minutes to make and requires your full attention.  You will not have time to grease the pan after you begin.  Or run after small children. 

*****  Do not taste the toffee unless it has been cooled.  It is very hot and will burn you.  It is also a good idea to have wear a long sleeve shirt to avoid burning yourself in case of an accident. 

****** Do not use margarine in this recipe.  It does not produce the desired delicious results.  Use only butter!!!  It may have more calories but it tastes SO much better.  And how can you make candied butter without the butter?

Ella

© Ella's Place

Double Stuff Oreos

I'm emotionally eating right now.  I've had 3 double stuff oreos and I'm not sure I'm done.  Why? 

I just spent the last 30 minutes cleaning up my son and his dirty diaper (#2).  Normally diapers are no big deal but my 19 months old broke his leg on Wednesday.  This is the same little boy who doesn't walk if he can run.  He has so much energy!  And now he's going crazy and taking me with him. 

But back to the why of the oreos, he actually fractured the front of his femur.  Thankfully, it's a small fracture!  Things could have been so much worse.  The only problem is that he has this cast/splint thing on his leg that goes from the bottom of his foot all the way up to his hip bone.  Therein lies the problem.  Since he isn't potty trained, the top of his splint is inside his diaper because it has to be.  I won't go into details because it's gross but I'm sure if you think about it you'll understand why I am stressed. 

I earned those oreos.

He'll be getting his cast on Monday which will make me feel a bit better when he flips himself off the couch.  Head.  Over.  Feet.  He's already done it 3 times.  Or when tries to stand up.  He's done that more times than I care to remember.   Or when he finds yet another way to try to hurt himself. 

I think I need to buy more oreos.

Ella


© Ella's Place

Love You!

I've been contemplating how I wanted to begin this blog.  I wanted the first post to set just the right tone.  I wanted it to be perfect!  But in my world, perfection tends to equal procrastination.  Sad but true.  But something has happened today that I just couldn't wait to share before I put all the "finishing" touches on it.  In fact, this something happened just moments ago.

My 19 month old, who doesn't feel the need to talk yet because his older siblings can interpret his every want and need, just told me that he loves me!  My heart somehow is bursting with love and melting all at the same time.  

It wasn't done in a big or special way but in a small way that means all the more to me.  I was putting him down for a nap.  I kissed and cuddled him all the way to his room.  I put him in his crib and covered him with his "blanket."  I told him that I loved him before I turned to go and then it happened.  He said it with a big smile on his face, "love you." 

These moments are right up there with the first kiss they give you, although each kiss after is just as precious.  Or when they run towards you with their arms open with smiles on their face shouting your name.  From kisses to cuddles and everything in between, these moments are infinitely precious.  They are what fill the cracks in your heart.  And yes, tears of love are running down my face as I recount this little piece of heaven to you. 

So, I'll work on that perfect post that I mentioned earlier.  You might even get to read it, maybe.  Til then, I'll share little bits and pieces of my life here at my place.

Ella


 © Ella's Place