Just wanted to say I’m dabbling in candymaking this year too.
So far I’ve made:
Butter toffee (the crunchy kind, with chocolate on both sides). Results: Easy, tasty, impressive.
Peppermint patties. Results: center crystalized, but very tasty nevertheless. I think I want to try again.
Chocolate-covered caramels. Results: a little annoying to stand and stir, but results quite impressive, so, worth it.
Still to come: Chocolate truffles, various sorts (planning hazelnut, almond, kahlua, orange based on flavorings I have handy)
I’ve used the Joy of Cooking for all the recipes so far… it’s been fun! Since baking ingredients tend to be on sale this time of year, I stocked up.
The fudge recipie on the back of the domino confectioner’s sugar box is really good. You can also find boxes and or containers for cookies,candy and whatnot at goodwill or thrift stores really cheap.
I’ve been selling crafts and chocolate for the past 5 years fun and very profitable. Hopefully by next year I will have a website at least for the crafts. Selling food to strangers can be risky without the proper insurance.
We make wine. We get about 30 bottles out of a batch. The initial investment to buy the equipment (sans actual wine kit) is about $50-$60, but once you buy that you won’t have to buy it again. The kit will cost another $30-$60.
Which reminds me. You could make inexpensive flavored oils and vinegars…there are a lot of simple recipes out there, but basically you just add garlic, pepper, whatever to oils or vinegars and let 'em steep until Christmas.
They’d be great gifts for anyone who likes to cook.
On a related food note, I’ve seen recipes for cocoa and other hot drink mixes. I’ve gotten a few as gifts, and they’re always nice. You could even throw in an inexpensive mug. (Can’t ever have too many mugs, heavens no! Just ask any teacher!)
Uh…I was going to add to this thread, but dang y’all are a crafty bunch
To add to the candy people, I make caramels and rum balls
[SNL Julia Child]
One for you!
Two for me!
[/SNL Julia Child]
For picture frames, rummage through a used shop. I can usually find an antique frame or two for less than $5.00. I have also picked up a large beautiful frame with a horrendous painting in it for a few bucks-removed the painting and made a collage of the family to put in it.
That’s a great idea. The Fudge Bringer is always the favorite guest.
Eagle brand condensed milk has recipes on their labels, including a fudge recipe–I’ve never made it, but I have other recipes that I buy the condensed milk for–that you can try and adapt as needed.
The hubby and I work together and can’t afford to buy for the office folk this year. We’re printing out coupon books for them. Each book is personalized with coupons for one night of babysitting, will work a Saturday for you, happy hour on us, etc. We’re going to arrange the coupons in a cheap basket or coffee mug wrapped in pretty cellophane. I’d feel bad giving something like this to family, but for coworkers, I think it’s perfect. Better than the stale chocolates I expect to get from them.
