Tormented Kitchen

I think everyone has their own version of Christmas goodies. This is one of mine. We're not big pans of peanut brittle. If I substitute almonds for the peanuts, then this stuff doesn't stand a chance! Ingredients 2 cups granulated white sugar 1 cup light corn syrup 1/4 cup salted butter 1/2 cup water 2 1/2 cups nuts, peanuts, pecans, or blanched slivered almonds, or a combination 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda Method 1. Combine sugar, corn syrup, butter and water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. The color will gradually turn a nice toasty caramel color. Be sure to use a spoon that won't melt.   2. Using a candy thermometer, cook until 275F.  Stir in the nuts and heat up to 295F. 3.Remove pan from heat and stir in the baking soda. Mix well. 4. Pour onto buttered cookie sheets.  Spread it with a wooden spoon or forks to help pull it. 5. Allow to cool a few hours.  Break into pieces and enjoy.

Kringle! This is a family tradition. My family is a little short on traditions, so the few I can grasp, I hold on tight. My mom's family is Czech, and we have lost many of the Czech traditions. I think this particular recipe is not Czech, per se, but it is in the same family as kolache or rugelach. Kringle is a type of pastry, like a Danish. The shape is what makes it stand out. You can honestly make any shape you want, wreaths, twists, whatever, but "Kringle" means "knot" from what I remember. Whatever language it is, it's tasty. Ingredients For the dough 4 tsp active dry yeast 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup warm water 1/2 cup milk 1 tsp. salt 1 stick butter (1/2 cup) 2 eggs, slightly beaten 4 cups AP flour For the filling 1 cup almond paste 1 stick butter, softened 1/2 cup sugar For the topping 1 egg white beaten with 1 teaspoon water 3 T. slivered blanched almonds, divided extra white sugar for sprinkling Method 1. Proof your yeast in the warm water with 1 ...

I found the recipe! It was saved on the big EHD at home so I didn't have to retype everything that was already typed. Thanks goodness. I also found my crepe recipe so that will be coming soon too. I realized that since this contains almonds, even though it's not "health food" it is somewhat healthy. According to SuperFoods Rx by Steven Pratt, nuts and seeds are very good for your health. In any dose, they benefit cardiovascular health. And that is one of my concerns. Heart problems run in my family so any help is help. Some notes on preparation: I use my Kitchen-aid stand mixer to beat the egg whites. A hand-held mixer will do the job just fine, but with two little ones, I need my hands free most of the time to hold them. Ingredients: 3 large egg whites 1 c. sifted confectioner’s sugar ½ c. all purpose flour 1/3 cup finely ground, blanched almonds (no skins) 6 T. unsalted butter, melted and cooled 1 T. honey Method: 1. Preheat oven to 400F. Butter 2 ...