Caramel Corn Crunch

If you need a gift idea or just want to make something for a yummy treat you should try our Caramel Corn Crunch, it’s perfect! I made this for my daughter’s dance class. I doubled the recipe and got about 25 cups.
Here's what you need:

• 1 c butter
•  2 c packed brown sugar 
• 1/2 c light corn syrup
• 1/2 tsp salt-I omitted because I used salted butter
• 1 t. baking soda

Bring first 4 ingredients to a boil over medium heat in large sauce pan. Boil 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda. Mix well, it will foam up-this is why you need a large pan. Pour over 8 quarts of popcorn and stir to coat evenly. Bake for 1 hour at 200° stirring every 15 minutes. Then pour onto foil or wax paper and spread out to cool. I melted both chocolate and white chips and  drizzled over cooled mixture. You can add nuts, m&m's (or anything else you like) to the mixture. This makes about 10 cups. Enjoy!

~Simply Angie

Edible Gifts Guide Part 1

We put together 20 of our favorite homemade food gift ideas and their links all in one post to help make it a little easier this holiday season to find that perfect homemade gift for someone special on your list. Some made it to the list of our Popular Posts and the rest we gathered from throughout the year. You can still do a search on the blog for more ideas that didn't make the list!
We hope you have as much fun making them as we did!

 Cinnamon Butter served with Simply Sweet Rolls

1. Simply Homemade Marshmallows
2. Simply Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
3. Simply Homemade Apple Cider Syrup
4. Simply Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola
5. Simply Homemade 5 Ingredient Caramel Sauce
6. Simply Homemade Brownie Mix
7. Simply Homemade Apple Cider Jelly
8. Simply Homemade Vanilla Extract
9. Simply Homemade Holiday Vanilla Rum Extract
10. Simply Homemade Flavored Sugars
11. Simply Homemade Pancake Mix
12. Simply Homemade Scones
13. Simply Homemade Cherry Lollipops
14. Simply Homemade Lemon Buddies Chex
15. Simply Homemade Cake Batter Chex
16. Simply Homemade Cake Batter Truffles
17. Simply Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
18. Simply Homemade Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies
19. Simply Homemade Yummy Gummys
20. Simply Homemade Vanilla Biscotti

Share some of your favorite gift ideas with us in the comments below, or feel free to link up with us to share your ideas!

~Simply Angie and Tammi

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

If you are looking for an inexpensive gift to give this season, this is a recipe we have had around for years, it's another one from our Aunt Joanne. It's always a great gift for those on your list that you don't know what to buy. I have tried several recipes for hot chocolate mixes but this one is a favorite. It makes a cute gift in a jar or even a single serving given in a cute bag. I found these little glass spice jars at our Bed Bath and Beyond Store, they came in a pack of 4 for under $5. Give it with a bag of our Simply Homemade Marshmallows to make it even more special!

What you need:
This will make about 2 quart jars of powder, enough for several servings (or gifts!)

• 10 cups of powdered milk
• 6 oz container of powdered coffee creamer, I used the store brand french vanilla
• 1 lb. container of Nestle or Hershey Cocoa Powder
• 1-2 cups powdered sugar

Pour all ingredients into a large bowl and mix together. Then put into separate containers or jars for gifts.

To make the hot cocoa: use 1/4 cup of mix to 8 oz of hot water or milk. Remember to put the instructions on the gift!
You might want to make a cup for yourself  to enjoy before you give it away!

~Simply Angie

Make Your Own Beautiful Bows

Bow complete!

An inexpensive way to decorate for any holiday or gifts is to make your own bows. There are different methods for this project but this is my favorite, because it's easy! My 9 year old granddaughter helps me make these bows!

Here We Go!

• You will need about 3 yards of ribbon for each bow. I use the wire-edged ribbon, it's easier to work with. You can choose any width but it's fun to use different sizes then your bows will be different sizes. I always buy my ribbon on sale and the large 90 feet rolls are a great value. You can find them at Hobby Lobby for 50% off, the cost is then $5.00 a roll. You can make about 10 bows from one roll.
• Start by measuring 3 yards of ribbon and cut your ribbon off the roll.
• Roll the ribbon (loosely) into a circle. The first end of the ribbon can be stapled or taped to the ribbon next to it so it will stay in place. Keep wrapping until your 3 yards of ribbon is in a circle. I like to roll mine in a 5 or 6 inch circle, but you can choose the size you want.
• Once your ribbon is in a circle, flatten it with your hands and fold it in half.
• Cut a small triangle of ribbon off the folded end of the ribbon, toward the middle. You will do the same to other side. At the bottom of the folded ribbon, it will sort of look like the letter "v".
• There are 2 ways to do the next step, in the middle of the flattened ribbon, gently separate the 2 pieces and place a either a pipe cleaner or another piece of ribbon (about 12 inches long). This will be the middle of the two sides. Then tie this ribbon piece rather tightly or twist the pipe cleaner. I used ribbon for my bow.
• You are now ready to start pulling the ribbon apart. I usually start with the pieces on the inside and work my way out. Gently grab a piece of the ribbon and pull it out and twist. Do this until all of the ribbon pieces are pulled out, then do the same thing on the other side. 
• When all of the pieces are pulled out and twisted, put the finishing touches on your bow. This is when you will appreciate the wire-edged ribbon because you can reshape your bow to perfection!

I hope the steps in the pictures will help you make your beautiful bows. Good luck and happy bow making!

I used 2 inch wire-edged ribbon for this bow

measure 3 yards - roll it in a circle

staple the first edge of the ribbon to the piece next to it

after your circle, flatten your ribbon circle

fold the ribbon circle in half

cut the corners off the folded end

gently separate the folded ribbon and tie another piece of ribbon in the middle

start pulling each piece of folded ribbon out, then twist

I used bows to decorate my Christmas tree

 Love and peace,
~ Simply Tammi