Homemade Crockpot Carmel Sauce

Wanna show off this holiday season?! Of course you do! Look like you worked in the kitchen all day juggling a candy thermometer --- but really it just takes a few minutes of prep. This is the easiest recipe I have tried to make for amazing homemade carmel sauce. It would be great on ice cream, in holiday cocktails, drizzled over popcorn, or dipping sauce for fall apples! You only need one ingredient, a crockpot, and a few awesome jars.

Things to collect:

-Crockpot

-Jelly jars or other mason jars

-A few cans of sweetened condensed milk

It doesn't matter what brand you use for any of the items, however, I tried a low fat milk... Not good!

After you gather your supplies, just transfer the condensed milk into jars of your choosing. I used small widemouthed 4 oz Ball jars. As long as you have tops, it's up to you! Jelly jars work great too! After pouring sweetened condensed milk into the jars, not quite to the top, place lids. 

Place jars in crockpot water bath. This is easy peasy! Just add water an inch or so above top of jars. Cook your carmel for 6-7.5 hours on low. Always keep water above lids-- this helps seal the jars. The liquid will begin to turn from a creamy color that is runny to a deeper color that is thick.

Check one of the jars to make sure it has reached perfection! It may be slightly chunky- that's OK! Just stir before serving. These make great gifts when packaged thoughtfully. SO freakin' good! And easy. I mean hard. Very very hard. Slave all day hard. I'm so worn out, I may need a scoop of ice cream topped with carmel sauce ;-)

Store in fridge and binge! Happy Holidays!

Roasted Garlic & Cranberry Stuffing! Yum!

I'm so excited to have the help of my fellow blogger and gorgeous niece writing for the blog today! She will be sharing her mouth watering recipes and fantastic designs with Farm Girl Fresh Design. 

Hello all!!

My name is Lauren and I love all things crafty and homemade! With the swift passing of Halloween and Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s a great time to start planning for that upcoming holiday feast!! I don’t know about you, but I LOVE hearing praises like, “That dish was AMAZING!” and “YUMMY, Can I get that recipe?!” One of the staples at our Thanksgiving dinner is my famous Roasted Garlic & Cranberry stuffing. I’m telling you, my family looks forward to this ridiculously good-looking side dish every year. This sweet and savory stuffing will definitely have your loved ones coming back for seconds and since it’s Thanksgiving… maybe even thirds! I can promise your garlic-loving guest will be doubling over with joy after enjoying this classic side dish with a unique twist!!

What you’ll need:

    •    2 box’s of Mrs. Cubbison’s stuffing (1 box of seasoned classic stuffing & 1 box of seasoned corn bread stuffing)

    •    8 garlic cloves, minced ( I have found that using fresh minced garlic cloves vs. pre-packed minced garlic makes a world of difference in your final dish so I use the motto… fresh is best!)

    •    1 1/2 cups cranberries, dried  

    •    2 cups salted butter, melted

    •    2 cups celery, diced (about 1/4 in.)

    •    2 cups onion, diced (about 1/4 in.)

    •    2 cups chicken broth

    •    1 cup apple juice

    •    1 cup dark brown sugar, packed

Makes approximately 14 servings. If you have a smaller gathering just divide all the ingredients in half.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Directions: 

In a large skillet or sauce pan, over medium heat add 3 tablespoons of your 2 c. of melted butter. Add celery and onions, sauté until lightly browned, salt and pepper veggies to preference. Reduce to low-medium heat and add your minced garlic. Garlic will burn quickly if not monitored so keep an eye out and stir often. Cook veggies and garlic until garlic is light brown, about 3 minutes. Set mixture aside.

In large mixing bowl add dried stuffing bits, cranberries, brown sugar, chicken broth and apple juice. I like to gently mix this part by hand to ensure every piece of stuffing gets evenly coated. Add sautéed veggies and remaining melted butter and mix well. Lastly, place stuffing mixture into a non-stick or buttered baking dish and securely apply tinfoil to the top. Bake 20 minutes covered, remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes uncovered or until top is lightly browned. Annnnd wah-lah!! Your very own unforgettable holiday treat!! ENJOY!

Thanks Lauren! I'm going to be making this for our holiday meal!!!

Fall has arrived!

So excited that Fall has finally arrived! This warm weather has made it seem like it was never coming! Time to grab a pumpkin spice latte and finish Christmas shopping ;-)