I made the gingerbread caramels yesterday, except I changed the recipe quite a bit. They were fantastic and I’m giving them away to the neighbors for the holidays. Here’s how I changed the recipe:
Instead of 4 cups heavy cream, I used 2 cups heavy cream and 2 cups skim milk. I used vanilla-flavored corn syrup and rum extract rather than just vanilla extract. I also doubled up on the quantity of spices for a stronger spicy flavor.
The recipe says it only takes 20 minutes after coming to a boil to reach the firm ball stage or 260 degrees. Here in the high altitudes of Albuquerque, it took 70 minutes.
It made enough to cut into 80 1-inch squares for wrapping and gifting.
My brother is a foody, and now in school for becoming a chef. So hard to decide what to get for him and on a limited budget at that. After seeing your Vanilla Bean Salt, and this and doing skulking around the web he is now getting flavored salts. A spiced, smoked praprika, an herb, rosemary, a citrus, clementines (as that is what i have on hand), and a sundried tomatoe one. Now just how to package them so they don’t look like just a Christmas craft thrown together.
I made the gingerbread caramels yesterday, except I changed the recipe quite a bit. They were fantastic and I’m giving them away to the neighbors for the holidays. Here’s how I changed the recipe:
Instead of 4 cups heavy cream, I used 2 cups heavy cream and 2 cups skim milk. I used vanilla-flavored corn syrup and rum extract rather than just vanilla extract. I also doubled up on the quantity of spices for a stronger spicy flavor.
The recipe says it only takes 20 minutes after coming to a boil to reach the firm ball stage or 260 degrees. Here in the high altitudes of Albuquerque, it took 70 minutes.
It made enough to cut into 80 1-inch squares for wrapping and gifting.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Great round up! That chai concentrate needs to find a place in my kitchen. Soo many fun recipes to incorporate that flavor. :)
What a lovely round-up! I’m definitely keeping these ideas for next year.
Definitely starring this in my google reader! :) I love creative ideas for how to give baked/home cooked gifts! Thanks for the great suggestions!
These are such lovely ideas!
Ooo, lovin’ these ideas! I especially love the packaging for those caramels. I’ll have to keep that in mind for future gifts!
My brother is a foody, and now in school for becoming a chef. So hard to decide what to get for him and on a limited budget at that. After seeing your Vanilla Bean Salt, and this and doing skulking around the web he is now getting flavored salts. A spiced, smoked praprika, an herb, rosemary, a citrus, clementines (as that is what i have on hand), and a sundried tomatoe one. Now just how to package them so they don’t look like just a Christmas craft thrown together.
Great round-up of ideas!
I love these ideas! I hate not knowing what to get someone and having to settle for something that isn’t as personal but these ideas are fantastic!