Melissa's Cuisine: December 2014

Monday, December 22, 2014

Caramel Corn

This sweet and crunchy Caramel Corn is delicious treat and makes a fun homemade Christmas gift!
Melissa's Cuisine: Caramel Corn
Christmas is only 3 days away--is anyone else in shock?  It's finally starting to feel like Christmas since we had our first family Christmas party in Canada on Saturday.  We had a great time with our family and Summer loved seeing everyone!

Now we are back home and it's crunch time!  I have about half my gifts left to wrap and I still have some baking to do so I can bring some treats over to our neighbors.  Since I'm a little short on time I'll be making something quick and easy.  The recipe topping that list is my dad's Caramel Corn recipe.  I made a batch last week for my co-workers.  I filled little ramkins with the treat and packaged it up in a clear cellophane bag with a pretty bow.  My co-workers loved it!
Melissa's Cuisine: Caramel Corn
This caramel corn is a recipe I grew up making.  My dad always made it in the microwave and my brother and I loved helping him pour it into a brown paper bag and then stir it up.  As kids we couldn't believe the magic that happened in the microwave ;)  You can make this recipe in the oven too if that's more your thing, I just choose to use the microwave because it's faster!  Either way, the caramel corn tastes amazing!

Melissa's Cuisine: Caramel Corn
Caramel Corn

Makes 24 1 cup servings

Ingredients:
1 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
6 quarts popped popcorn

1.  Melt the butter in a large saucepan.

2.  Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

3.  Allow the mixture to boil for 5 minutes without stirring.

4.  Remove the caramel from the heat and stir in the vanilla and baking soda.  It will expand when you add the baking soda, so be sure to use a large pan!

5.  Microwave directions:  Coat the inside of a brown grocery bag with cooking spray.  Pour the popcorn into the bag and pour the caramel over the popcorn.  Stir to coat.  Fold the bag over and microwave for 2 minutes, then remove the bag from the microwave and stir.  Microwave another 2 minutes and stir, then an additional 2 minutes and stir.  Spread caramel corn on a baking sheet to cool.

6.  Oven directions:  Place the popcorn in a large bowl and pour the caramel over it.  Stir to coat.  Spread on two cookie sheets and bake at 250 for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.  Remove from the oven and cool.

When the caramel corn is cool, break it apart and store in an airtight container.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Cook it! Craft it! Share it! {Link Party #34}

Hello!  Welcome to week #34 of the Cook it! Craft it! Share it! Link Party!  I'm so glad you're joining us today!

Are you getting ready for Christmas?  We're just over a week away from the big day!  What are your plans?

A quick note that next week we will not be hosting a Cook it! Craft it! Share it! Link Party--enjoy Christmas Eve with your family!

Last week's party had 257 links!  Thank you to everyone who linked up and shared with us :)

Now, onto the party!


MEET THE HOSTESSES
Welcome to Cook it! Craft it! Share it! Link Party hosted by
ANG at JUGGLING ACT MAMA and,
Melissa from MELISSA'S CUISINE!!!
Melissa's Cuisine: Cook It! Craft It! Share It!


Monday, December 15, 2014

Donut Snowmen

These Donut Snowmen are a fun and festive (not to mention, delicious!) winter treat!
Melissa's Cuisine: Donut Snowmen

Friday, December 12, 2014

White Chocolate Christmas Trees--Juggling Act Mama

I'm blogging over at Juggling Act Mama today where I'm sharing fun and kid-friendly instructions for White Chocolate Christmas Trees.  Head over to check it out!


Dinner Made Easy with Meal Plans from Cooking Planit



I've mentioned before how much I love meal planning.  In fact, I've been planning to do a post to show you how I do it, but I haven't gotten around to it yet!  Today though, I'm excited to tell you about a new program that is going to make your life easier.  I've been using it since it launched last week and I already love it.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Cook it! Craft it! Share it! {Link Party #33}

Hello!  Welcome to week #33 of the Cook it! Craft it! Share it! Link Party!  I'm so glad you're joining us today!

Last week we had 208 great links!  Thanks to everyone who linked up.  Be sure to check out some of the great posts that everyone shares--don't just link and run! :)

Now, onto the party!


MEET THE HOSTESSES
Welcome to Cook it! Craft it! Share it! Link Party hosted by
ANG at JUGGLING ACT MAMA and,
Melissa from MELISSA'S CUISINE!!!
Melissa's Cuisine: Cook It! Craft It! Share It!


Monday, December 08, 2014

Egg and Tortilla Breakfast Casserole

 This hearty Egg and Tortilla Breakfast Casserole is a fun spin on eggs for breakfast, or dinner!
Melissa's Cuisine: Egg and Tortilla Breakfast Casserole

Wednesday, December 03, 2014

Cook it! Craft it! Share it! {Link Party #32}

Hello!  Welcome to week #32 of the Cook it! Craft it! Share it! Link Party!  I'm so glad you're joining us today!

How was your Thanksgiving?  Are you in Christmas mode yet?  My tree is up and my house is decorated!

Last week we had 167 great links!  Thanks to everyone who linked up.  Be sure to check out some of the great posts that everyone shares--don't just link and run! :)

Now, onto the party!


MEET THE HOSTESSES
Welcome to Cook it! Craft it! Share it! Link Party hosted by
ANG at JUGGLING ACT MAMA and,
Melissa from MELISSA'S CUISINE!!!
Melissa's Cuisine: Cook It! Craft It! Share It!


Monday, December 01, 2014

Lavender Lip Balm

Lavender Lip Balm heals and protects your lips, it's easy to make and is a fun Christmas gift!
Melissa's Cuisine: Lavender Lip Balm
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