Caramel Corn

This is an AMAZING caramel corn recipe - from allrecipes.com. We prefer it without nuts.

7 quarts plain popped popcorn
2 cups dry roasted peanuts (optional)
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup margarine
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Place the popped popcorn into two shallow greased baking pans. You may use roasting pans, jelly roll pans, or disposable roasting pans. Add the peanuts to the popped corn if using. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, margarine and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring enough to blend. Once the mixture begins to boil, boil for 5 minutes while stirring constantly.

Remove from the heat, and stir in the baking soda and vanilla. The mixture will be light and foamy. Immediately pour over the popcorn in the pans, and stir to coat. Don't worry too much at this point about getting all of the corn coated.

Bake for 1 hour, removing the pans, and giving them each a good stir every 15 minutes. Line the counter top with waxed paper. Dump the corn out onto the waxed paper and separate the pieces. Allow to cool completely, then store in airtight containers or resealable bags.

Tomato Caprese on Bread

This is an original.

1 loaf crusty french or italian bread
3 tomatoes, sliced
1 lb. fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
fresh basil
Olive oil
Balsmic vinegar
Salt
Fresh ground Pepper

Cut bread into 1/2 in. pieces. Drizzle w/olive oil. Top w/slice of tomato, fresh basil, salt & pepper, drizzle of balsamic vinegar and thin slice of mozzarella. Place under broiler until melty and lightly browned. Serve hot.

Muddy Buddies (or Puppy Chow)

9 c. Chex cereal
1 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. peanut butter
1/4 c. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. powdered sugar

Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter on high in the microwave for 1 - 1 1/2 minutes. Pour over cereal in a ziploc bag and toss to coat. Add powdered sugar and toss again. Spread on wax paper to cool.

Apple Dip

8 oz. cream cheese
1/2 c. brown sugar
3 Tb. milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients and mix until creamy and smooth. Serve w/ apple slices. Can add toffee bits for extra flavor and texture!

Chex Mix

8 c. chex cereal
1/4 c. butter
1 1/4 c. seasoned salt
4 1/2 tsp. worcestshire sauce
1 c. mixed nuts
1 c. pretzels

Melt butter w/salt and worcestshire. Add remaining ingredients. Bake for 1 hour at 350 degress - stirring every 15 minutes. Spread out on brown paper or wax paper to cool.