Sweet memories

Most families have at least one favorite Christmas tradition. We have a number of them, like doing jigsaw puzzles from the time the gift wrap flies until the last dollop of whipcream hits the pumpkin pie.
But the sweetest tradition of all is my Dad making buttery rich caramels and crunchy peanut brittle. It became "the men's project" as we added a son-in-law or two over the years. Dennis became an expert under Dad's tutelage. The caramels were a "must" for the holidays. Now the grandsons-in-law are carrying on (that means you, Brent!) along with some of the gals (yes, Anne, I read your blog).

Being home with Mom for Christmas this year, after missing quite a few years, we finally launched into sweet-tooth mode today. If we do it too soon, there's never any treats left for Christmas day...

Mom and I agreed, it was mighty strange to be sitting around the table all by ourselves, wrapping caramels. It was always a family gathering - gabbing, gobbling, and wrapping those golden nuggets.

Here's Dad's recipe (I have a copy he handwrote for me - one of my precious trreasures). It came from his mother, Ruby - in her day, it was made with rich yellow cream instead of canned evaporated milk. Both work just dandy!

GRANDPA'S CARMELS

Butter a glass pan - a 7x11 makes thickish caramels, a 9x13 makes thinner (and more) caramels.

In a heavy flat-bottomed saucepan (an electric skillet is perfect), combine over med. high heat:

2 c. sugar

1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk (or heavy cream)

1 3/4 c. light corn syrup

1 cup butter (NOT margarine - must use the REAL THING)

Boil gently, stirring constantly, to firm ball stage (248 degrees - or use the cold water test: drop a small bit into a small bowl of cold water, let cool a minute and check for firmness). Remove from heat, quickly stir in:

2 teaspoons vanilla

Immediately pour into buttered pan. Let cool several hours, until cool and firm.

Loosen by dipping pan bottom in hot water, turn out onto a cutting board. Cut into strips then into squares. Wrap in wax paper (if you just put them into a bowl without wrapping, you will soon have one solid mass of caramel!).

We also made Peanut Brittle. A little self-control is a good thing, but it can be sorely tested on
a candy-making day...

Next up tomorrow: Popcorn Balls! These were Dennis' speciality. Over the years he won over many hearts with a delivery of a bag of his popcorn balls. Another sweet memory.

Traditions and special treats are a good thing - right, Martha!?