Recently, I went apple picking or should I say apple hunting there were very few apples left. But it was nice to get out of the city and I was in good company. A few weeks ago, someone brought a Carmel apple into work and it was delicious. So when I had these few precious apples I wanted to do something special with them. Carmel Apples seemed like a very good idea. I think they are fun for a few reason it reminds me of childhood, even though I only made them once as a child and there are fun variations you can do with them. Add nuts, chocolate bits, Marshmallows, raisins, cookie crumbs, what ever you like, I guess.
These were fun and simple and of course I did not have Popsicle sticks readily available.
8-10 Apples
2 Cups of Heavy Cream
1 Cup of Dark Brown Sugar
1 Cup of Sugar
4 Tablespoons of Butter
½ Cup of Light Corn Syrup
2 Teaspoons of Vanilla
In a pot mix place all the ingredients except the Vanilla and Apples. With a candy thermometer bring the mixture to 255 degrees and remove from heat. Stir for about 30 seconds and then mix in vanilla.
Place a silplat onto a cookie sheet.
Now carefully dip each apple into the Carmel. (I then place them in the freezer let harden a little and then re-dipped.
Let the apples cool and ready to eat!
Recently, I was given a home grown butternut squash. I like butternut squash but have to admit I am not the biggest fan. I want to be a big fan but just have not been able to get on board. But I finally figured out my problem. It is quite evident that I have a sweet tooth. Well when it comes to butternut squash outside of soup I usually have it prepared using brown sugars or maple syrups. What I discovered is, I like my butternut squash salty. Butternut Squash I think is one of those great vegetables for a few reasons: they last a long time, have great color, and can be simply prepared. So how did I learn to love it, by just roasting it.
Take a butternut squash peel the skin off, cut in half and scoop out the seeds. Thinly slice the squash about 1/8 inch and place on a baking sheet. I lined mine with tin foil. Brush one side with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and place in the oven at 400 degrees for 40 minutes.
Have you ever wondered what the Double acting in Baking Powder meant? What is the difference between Baking Soda and Baking Powder? Or what the purpose of baking powder is and why some recipes call for it and other call for baking soda? What is the double acting?
Baking Powder and Baking Soda act as a leavening agent, similar to yeast although it is instantaneous and does not take a few hours. Baking Soda is pure sodium bicarbonate- the reaction begins instantaneously upon mixing it with ingredients (there is always an acidic ingredient when baking soda is involved) that are moist. Therefore the ingredients need to be baked immediately for the reaction to have its intended purpose. Baking soda can be substituted for baking powder but not the other way. That being said you can make baking powder with baking soda and cream of tartar. (2 parts cream of tartar with 1 part baking soda)
Baking Powder – there are two kinds, single acting and double acting Baking Powder. Most often recipes call for double acting. Single acting contains only low-temperature acid salts (the cream of tartar being a low temperature acid salt) where as the double acting has two acids one that reacts to low temperatures and one that reacts to higher temperatures to cause further rising during baking. This is why the cake rises while baking and it is important not to over fill the baking dish. I have definitely done that on numerous occasions.
Now I know it is annoying to throughout ingredients that have not all been used but check the expiration dates to make sure your baking soda or baking powder with still is not old. Here is how to test, baking soda should bubble when added to vinegar and baking powder should bubble when added to hot water.
Baking Soda outside of baking has numerous other useful uses here are just a few. Pretty handy to always have a box around
-Baking soda will also put out fires in clothing, fuel, wood, upholstery and rugs. More importantly in case of grease or electrical fire scatter the powder by the handful to safely put it out.
- Place in a cup/ bowl in refrigerator to absorb odors.
- Sprinkle soda on barbecue grills, let soak, then rinse off. Perfect since the BBQ season is coming to an end. In general baking soda is a great cleaning agent- drain cleaner, silver polish, stainless steel, soft scrub (for the bathroom), and oven cleaner to name just a few.
-Apply soda directly to insect bites, rashes and poison ivy to relieve discomfort. Make a paste with water
-Grease and Oil Stains wash with Baking soda
Cheers! Sandra. R.
Carmel Apples
