Homemade Caramel Dip

The Fall means Apples, Apples, and more Apples! What is better to dress up that crunchy, fresh fruit than some homemade carmel dip?! (Ohh . . . carmel apples would be awesome too, but I have braces and can't eat that right now.)

I decided to make two different recipes of homemade caramel dip to see which I like better. I can honestly say that I LOVED them both. Each has a diffent texture and flavor that I think is equally delicious.

Classic Caramel Dip
    
This recipe tastes very much like eating the plain caramels that you unwrap (obviously) and like the store bought dip. Makes 3 cups.

1 14oz bag Kraft caramels
1 can sweetened condensed milk
3/4 stick of butter

Stovetop: Unwrap caramels and combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Stir occasionally until completely melted.  

Microwave: Just place ingredients in microwave-safe bowl and heat in intervals, stirring often to avoid scorching.

Serve warm with apple slices for dipping.

4 Ingredient Caramel Dip  - from An Oregon Cottage

This recipe has just 4 simple ingredients so you know exactly what you are eating - no mysetrious filer ingredients. Color will vary depending on how dark your brown sugar is. Makes 3 cups.

1 stick butter

1 cup dark brown sugar

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup honey (or corn syrup)

Melt the stick of butter in a sauce pan over medium heat. The add remaining ingredients. Raise heat to med-high and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil 3 minutes while stirring.

Peanut Butter Caramel Dip : While your carmel is still hot stir in 1/2 - 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter until melted. This is so so good and can be done with either recipe.

If your caramel gets hard just warm it up in the microwave until it is soft. 

Pour the caramel over ice cream. I love doing this!

If you like caramel apples but have braces (or your kids do) just sprinkle chocolate chips or other goodies on a slice of apple. Works great!

Need a gift for a friend? Pour some caramel into a small container, tie a ribbon on top and give to your neighbor with a bag pf apples. It's the prefect fall treat to cheer anyone up!

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Christmas is exactly 2 months from today! Get started on your shopping by getting in on Groupon's HOT deal today! You'll save yourself 50% at Bath and Body Works. Gotta love that!

Today's Groupon is nationwide so it does not matter what city you purchase it through!

You'll only pay $20 for a $40 Bath and Body Works Certificate! That's 50% savings!! Sweet!

A few details:

• It doesn't expire until Feb 25, 2011.
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I was in and out of airports this weekend and while waiting for my flight I headed into a Bath and Body Works store! I must say that Satsuma has been my favorite scent for over a decade, but they have so many great products and scents to choose from. They have makeup, skin care items, and amazing smelling candles and diffusers too!


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Hot/Cold Neck Wrap for Dad

Father's Day is coming up fast. If you're looking for a quick, easy, and inexpensive homemade gift I have the perfect idea for you. A Hot/Cold Neck Wrap is the perfect gift for any dad, grandpa, or husband out there. Wouldn't your dad/husband love to have a cold wrap around their neck after mowing the lawn on a hot summer day or a warm wrap for those aching muscles?!

Items you'll need:

1/4 yard flannel fabric

4 cups of rice

Thread

Scissors

Sewing machine

No need to prewash your fabric. This item can't be washed in the washing machine, only spot cleaned since it has rice in it.

You will need to cut your 1/4 yard flannel strip in half so it is 21X9 inches or similar depending on your fabric. 1/4 yard will actually make 2 neck wraps.

Next, fold your fabric in half lengthwise so the right side are together. Pin your fabric together so it stays in place.

Then you will sew just two sides about a quarter of an inch from the edge - lengthwise and one short end (I like to use the edge of my presser foot as a guide). Be sure to back stitch to secure your thread.

Now turn your fabric back out so you are seeing the right side. Next pour the rice inside the fabric sleeve you just sewed. I used 3.5 cups in my wrap, but you might find you'd like a little more or less. Just hold the end shut with your hand and put the wrap around your neck to see how it feels and to determine how much rice you'd like to use. Just be sure to leave enough room inside so it isn't stiff and can wrap around the neck.

Next shake all the rice down to the closed end so you can hem the opening closed. Tuck the raw edges inside the wrap about 1/4 inch and then pin or hold closed.

Lastly, sew the wrap closed by sewing very close to the edge (about 1/8 inch) and back stitch to secure your thread.

Now my friends you have just made a hot/cold neck wrap that will be the perfect homemade gift for dad! Something he's sure to love.

Like it Hot? Heat the wrap in the microwave for 60-90 seconds. I promise it won't burn. Like it Cold? Just put it in the freezer. Simple. As. That.

Here are a few reasons I love this wrap:

1. Very easy to make. It only took me about 30 minutes, probably less if I'd done it without kids around.

2. Very cheap. Flannel was on sale for $2.50 a yard - so only 62 cents for a 1/4 yard! Remember that a 1/4 yard actually makes 2 wraps so it's only 31 cents each! A few cups of rice won't cost you but a dollar or two.

3. These wraps kept my husband's feet very warm this past winter. We have all wood floors which freeze our feet so he'd warm up the wrap and rest his feet on it.

4. I've used the wrap with ice and heat on my sore knee after running. It helped a lot!

5. I've heard, but not tried, that jasmine rice will give off a fabulous aroma. Might be worth a try.

6 Days 'til Father's Day!


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