Peanut Brittle

Contributed by Afton Jones, Martinez Ward (submitted by Caroline Zeeb)

Ingredients:

1 C. white corn syrup
1 C. sugar
1 T. butter
1/2 t. salt
1 1/2 to 2 C. raw peanuts
1 t. baking soda

Directions:

• Cook first 4 ingredients until sugar dissolves
• Add peanuts and stir constantly until mixture is light brown
• Remove from heat and stir in 1 t. baking soda
• Spread on greased pan to cool

Sugared Walnuts

Contributed by Caroline Zeeb, Martinez Ward

Ingredients:

1 C. brown sugar
2 T. water
2 t. butter
1 t. vanilla
2+ C. walnut halves and pieces

Directions:

• Boil sugar and water together for 2 minutes
• Add butter and vanilla
• Drop walnuts in and stir until firm
• Spread out on waxed paper and separate

"See's Candy"

Contributed by Eula Buchanan, Concord 1st Ward

Ingredients:

3-6 oz bags of chocolate chips
2 sticks of butter or margarine (minus 1 Tablespoon)
1-7 oz jar of marshmallow cream
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups chopped nuts

3 1/2 cups sugar

1 can evaporated milk

Directions:

• In large pan, combine chocolate chips, butter/margarine, marshmallow cream, vanilla, and chopped nuts
• Set aside
• In a separate large pan combine sugar and evaporated milk
• Stir and bring mixture to a boil
• Boil for 12 more minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly to make sure it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan
• Pour over first mixture, stirring until all is melted
• Thoroughly mix and pour onto a baking sheet that has been buttered (make sure cookie sheet has sides)
• Let cool completely before cutting

Caramels

Contributed by Frances Mahoney, Hilltop First Ward

Lots of women make lots of kinds of goodies at Christmas. I make only caramels. This is from PG&E about 40 years ago-- and it still works fine.

Makes about 100 pieces

Ingredients:

1/2 pound butter (or margarine)
2 cups light corn syrup
2 cups sugar
2- 15 oz. cans sweetened condensed milk (Eagle Brand or other brand)
1/2 cup flour
3 oz baking chocolate (optional--but not optional in my pan)
1 tsp. vanilla.

Directions:

• Combine flour with one can sweetened condensed milk
• Melt butter and chocolate in a heavy pan
• Add corn syrup and sugar
• Bring to boil on medium heat, stirring constantly
• Boil 5 minutes
• Stir in one can sweetened condensed milk
• Then stir in the sweetened condensed milk that has been combined with flour
• Boil over medium heat, stirring constantly (prevents sticking) until mixture reaches medium hard ball (240o) and begins to leave side of pan
• Remove from heat
• Stir in vanilla
• Turn immediately into a buttered 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan
• Cool
• Cut into one-inch squares with buttered knife or scissors
• Wrap in wax paper squares
• Store in refrigerator or cool place

Helpful Hints:

• Freezes well 6 months