Earlier this week I my neighbor Hulda and our buddy Chef Selena Thompson came over to make some Christmas candies. Selena, {who happens to cook for Francisco once a week} has been to culinary school and is a total pro on the candy making circuit. Hulda and I are total candy making novices, but we wanted to try out a few recipes, so we asked Selena to help us.
And boy did she ever. Not only did we learn how to make 6 different types of candies {I’ll be sharing the recipes soon} but we also guzzled down a crock pot full of mulling cider and had a fun time as well.
Maybe I’m getting old, but to me, this was the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Forget the mall, soap operas, and wine bars, hanging out with peeps you actually like and doing something constructive in a low stress environment, is my idea of fun.
While we were together, one of the things we talked about was how the simple task of baking homemade cookies, candies and Christmas gifts in general has changed over the last few {50?} years. People use to look forward to doing these types of things, and nowadays it seems to be a chore.
Why is that?
I think if we could all just take one day off a month to unwind and relax, to maybe learn a new hobby, or to try a recipe we’ve torn out of a magazine, we’d all be a little happier.
Take time to breath, be present. Eat good food.
Life’s to short not to.
~Mavis
Pecan Turtle Candies
Ingredients
6 ounces pecan halves
32 individually wrapped caramels {unwrapped}
1 teaspoon shortening
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F
Cover cookies sheet with baking mats and place 3 pecan halves in a Y shape on the baking mat, the place 1 caramel candy in the center of each Y.
Bake just until the caramel has melted {about 6-7 minutes}. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
The heat the shortening and chocolate chips together over low heat until chocolate has melted. Mix well and then spread the chocolate over the caramel covered pecans candies. Place in a cool area {I put ours in the garage} for about an hour to harden. Then package up candies. 🙂
Susan says
I love to bake and cook. Especially this time of the year. I have a batch of Chocolate/Cranberry Biscotti in the oven right now.
Ashley says
It starting feeling like a chore when I had kids and suddenly something that should take 15 minutes began taking 2 hours, lol. We could probably handle those yummy looking turtles though!
Mavis Butterfield says
They were super easy to make and I bet the kiddos wouldn’t mind helping unwrap them. 🙂
Jennifer Jo says
“…hanging out with peeps you actually like and doing something constructive in a low stress environment, is my idea of fun.” You nailed it.
Mavis Butterfield says
Sitting around a counter eating cheese and crackers. 🙂 I miss you!
Marian says
For the last 10 years my friend and I have taken the first Fri in Dec to dip chocolates. This year we only did 40 lbs of chocolate, we have done as much as 80! Pecan turtles, caramels, Almond Joys, Nut balls, Peanut Butter cups and then we dip cinnamon bears! It’s an all day event. Over the years our kids have helped roll the centers to be dipped and the nut balls in nuts as we dip. My kids have moved away, but they ask, “When are you sending the chocolates?” My siblings always check to make sure I am bringing the chocolate to the family party. It’s a fun tradition!!
Mavis Butterfield says
That does sound like a fun tradition Marian. 🙂
Paula Reed says
Dear Mavis, my husband had the exact same thing done 2 months ago. He’s not British, but apparently his teeth could be… You should be on the mend soon, just don’t forget to use the ice pack and pain meds. Hang in there, friend!
Mavis Butterfield says
Thank you for reminding me to use an ice pack. I have not done that yet. Frozen peas, here I come! 🙂
Emily says
Those look great. Do you think I could sub butter for the shortening?