Friday, December 07, 2007

Mmmmm, sugar....

"Grateful" ACEO can be bid on here.
Copyright Rita Woodburne


Happy Friday!

So in the sugar-induced spirit of the season I've decided to dedicate the next 3 Fridays to posting cookie recipes.
The first recipe is one that I've made many, many times, mostly for family functions. The best part of making these is that they don't take a lot of time, taste really good and are comprised of only 4 ingredients. So, without further ado:

Caramel Squares

1 box graham crackers
1 cup unsalted butter (do not substitute with margarine, it just won't work...trust me)
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup (give or take) sliced almonds

Pre-heat the oven to 350 Celsius. Line one cookie sheet with aluminum foil, making sure to cover over the edges of the cookie sheet (this is for easier clean up). Arrange the graham crackers over the entire cookie sheet, overlapping them if necessary.

In a pot over medium-high heat melt the butter and sugar together, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil and let boil for 1 minute, continuing to stir constantly. Pour butter/ sugar mixture over graham crackers and then sprinkle with sliced almonds.

Place in oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Once done baking let stand for approximately 1 hour to cool, do not cool in refrigerator. Separate crackers into squares and devour.


You can use salted butter if you like the flavour instead but just note that the butter/ sugar sauce will be a bit runnier and may take longer to solidify after removing them from the oven. In addition, I've only ever made these with the almonds but I imagine that chopped pecans would taste pretty darn good too.


So there you have it. I'm still art-ing away and I'm hoping to have some more finished art to show off by next week.
Also, tis' the season for having a short fuse, as can be seen in many a mall parking lot all over North America. So folks, while you're out shopping just remember to breathe, count to 10 or whatever else you have to do to not blow a gasket. Mind your P's and Q's and remember that sometimes just being nice to someone else by holding open a door or saying 'Thank you' can really make their day...and yours. Oh, and never forget:




...to smile. It'll make people wonder what you're up to.

Until next week!

7 comments:

Jennifer Rose said...

I love baking and need to find a sugar cookie recipe, I lost the one I had :/

Caramel squares are different here,
http://www.nibblous.com/recipe/108
I haven't made them with this recipe but the ones I have had where very good (and probably really tooth decaying). I had one in Cornwall that was an inch and a half thick and about 5 inches square.

Anonymous said...

Oooo, my ma makes those, but with walnut bits. They rock my world!

I like the colors in your most recent kitty.

Rita said...

Don't worry Jennifer, I have a sugar cookie recipe that I can share...and it makes oodles of cookies!
I can only image what a 5 inch square caramel square would do to one's teeth...and blood sugar levels. ;)


Meg, I've never tried walnut pieces either. I guess it's another trip to the grocery store for more ingredients!

Maggie Stiefvater said...

Oooh, you know where I will be the next few Fridays . . . if you build a cookie, Maggie will come.

Rita said...

Most excellent Maggie! There should be cookies aplenty over the next few weeks.

Lisa B. said...

Wow, another stunner Rita. Beautiful kitty, and the colors are just purrrrfect!

Rita said...

Thanks Lisa! This one has been my favourite kitty ACEO so far, I learned quite a bit from doing this one which, in and of itself, made it worthwhile. :)