sweet nothings

Brownies with Salted Caramel Frosting

There are tons of recipes for salted caramel frosting. There are also recipes for just salted caramel. I spent two hours this morning reading and comparing recipes. I found a recipe on a blog for salted caramel brownies. I made the brownies last night and did not like them so I didn't even go forward with her frosting.

SO...since I had a box of brownie mix in the pantry I got started making my own version!

I mixed up a batch of Duncan Hines chewy fudge brownies using 2 eggs instead of three. Then in mini cupcake tins I put a teaspoon of batter then half of a Werther's Original Caramelts. Then I added one more teaspoon of batter. Bake as directed on the box...about 24 minutes on 350.

In my double boiler I melted about 15 Kraft Caramels. Added about 4 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream. Melted together with about a teaspoon or so of sea salt. Once that is melted I took it off of the stove and let it cool and added 1 tsp of vanilla...while it was cooling I beat two sticks of salted butter with 2 cups of confectioners sugar. 

Once the caramal was cooler...slightly warm. I drizzled it into the butter/sugar and beat it again. Then added about 2 more cups of confectioners sugar.

Back in the double boiler I melted more caramels and whipping cream. 

I used the extra caramel as drizzle.

...Make some and Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

Candy Hearts

I'm working on projects for Nora's Valentine Party...I made these today. They were quick and easy!

 
I used mini candy canes because that was all I had left from Christmas. Next year I'll remember to pick up regular candy canes. Then again...These turned out a pretty decent size!

I cut the celophane bags down so that they wouldn't be too long and used some end of the spool Christmas ribbon!

 Easy little project and I think the kids will enjoy them. This little deal was not my idea. I found instructions HERE at The Idea Room!

Until next time...

Stacey

 

 

Monday Monday...

Over the weekend I went to Austin with my cousin Molly for another cousin's wedding. Beautiful wedding, great reception. We had such a fun time getting away from our kiddos and hubs for some girl time. We laughed and sang really loud and stayed up way too late! Molly's parents and our grandparents were in rooms next to us at the hotel so we all had such a great time visiting. Nora probably called me 10x a day and Molly's boys didn't call at all. :D I took my camera but I hardly took any pictures. I just enjoyed visiting with everybody. I especially enjoyed talking and listening to my papaw and his sister. My papaw is 87 and his sister is 5 years younger. They are just amazing people. Somebody snapped a picture of the three of us and hopefully I'll get one because that was truly a wonderful visit!

Here is a pic of my mamaw and papaw with me...oh my gosh the sun was brutal. We should've picked a shady spot for pics ;-)

and here is one of Molly and I...

(looking at the quality of these pics and I can't wait to get my "real" camera back from the shop...they are shipping it home this week!!! yay!!!!)

I was truly glad to see the girls when I got home. Madelynn was super glad to see her mama! Tim was glad to be relieved. Nora asked me to take her to eat dinner and I did...I love having girl time with her. Of course she got in trouble when we got home so she's grounded today!

i didn't get my etsy items listed before I left town...but I'm working on that today! Fingers crossed I get a few things listed today!!

Later today I'll be posting our first summer art project. I've been searching online for kid crafts/projects for Nora and I to do this summer. I've found tons of things and I can't wait to get started! Check back for Week 1 Project 1 later today!

It's Monday and I feel it. I need a nap and it's just 11am. I'm starting my get healthy living today. Didn't get off to a good start because I had a piece of buttercake for breakfast! it was a very small piece though...

I found the recipe HERE and it's pretty good. It reminds me of a buttermilk pie. It just doesn't have that mmmm yummy flavor that a buttermilk pie has. I should probably add that buttermilk pies are my favorite pies. I have a family recipe that I should share! I'll add that to my list. Try the buttercake. It's different and sweet but not too sweet. It's good.

Joann's has simplicity patterns for $1.99 this week...so as soon as Madelynn wakes up we are off to pick up a few patterns. I like taking parts of various patterns to make outfits! ;-)

have a great monday!

until next time...