I know we are all looking for ways to save money this year without looking, well, cheap.

My husband has a very large extended family.  Last year I made a batch of homemade caramels for each household & found a cute but inexpensive container for them.  They loved it, so that is what they are getting again this year.

Ingredients:

2 cups of white sugar                                  1 cup of real butter

1.5 cups of corn syrup                                1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring

2 cups heavy cream

Directions:

-Butter a 9″ x 13″ pan – I like glass

-In a heavy Saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, 1 cup cream, and butter. Bring to a boil, stirring often, then stir in remaining cup of heavy cream.  Heat without stirring until it is 242 degrees F (116 degrees C), or until a small amount of the syrup dropped in cold water forms a firm but pliable ball.

-Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and pour into prepared dish.  Refrigerate.

- when cool, remove from fridge & let candy warm back up a little in room temperature.  I like to cut it while it is still a little cool.

-cut it into approx 1″ x 1″ squares & wrap with wax paper.  I always end up smashing mine into more of a large ‘tootsie roll” shape so I can twist the ends.

cooking time – approx 45 mins,  rolling & warpping could also take 45 min.

I was going to put more on this but I will stop with a painting.

Yes, I am sure that the image used for this painting of Michael is copyrighted.  That is OK, because I am not selling it.  It is a gift, so HAHA!

My daughter asked me to do this for her best friend.  It is one of about 7 paintings I have due for gifts..  I only have one other one completed. So, I need to shut up & paint.

Keep in mind that I said making presents can save you money, not time.

Good night guys. Go Colts!