Christmas Carmel Corn

Hey Friends!

Well… there are only a few more days until Thanksgiving, followed by Black Friday. I’m not a big fan of Black Friday. It stresses me out to think about the bizillions of people crowding the malls. I don’t do well with crowds. And I really don’t do well with all the bargain “fighting.” Seriously… I have seen women battle over a purse! Once I am in my house on Wednesday, I am there until Saturday. I’m not leaving! I refuse. I don’t think it’s safe! Besides, I am looking forward to a couple of days of just cooking. (I’m not looking forward to all the dirty dishes though so if anyone enjoys washing dishes just let me know.)

This year, in addition to the big traditional turkey dinner, I will be making two different meals designed for a group of two or four. I noticed that there are so many more menu ideas for larger crowds but some of us don’t have a house full of family and friends ever year. This year it will just be me and Nick. I am playing with two menus so that I can share them with you (along with lots of photos) next October to give you time to incorporate any of the dishes into your holiday menu in 2011. Ugh… did I just say 2011?

Here’s what I’m thinking…

Menu #1

• Turkey Cutlets with Cranberry Glaze
• Butternut Squash Risotto
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Waldorf Salad

Menu #2

• Roasted Cornish Game Hens with Maple Glaze
• Apple Cider Gravy
• Cornbread Stuffing with Apples and Cranberries
• Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
• Roasted Green Beans
• Cranberry Sauce

Since I just started this website a few months ago, I didn’t think through the holiday thing I now know that I need to be making holiday meals a few months before each holiday so there is time to share them with you. I promise… I am getting on track now so we will be good to go before next year’s big days! Since I didn’t think about these things in advance, this year I’m happy to have the help of my friends and their holiday recipes!

OK – today I want to introduce you to my friend Susanne. One of my favorite “Susanne” moments happened just a couple of months ago. I shared some exciting news with her and her eyes teared up. She said she was happier that this had happened to me than she would have been if it had happened to her. That’s the kind of heart she has! Susanne is blessed when someone else receives a blessing. I can honestly say that she is one of the warmest people I have ever known. “Warmest” you may be asking yourself? Well.. there are some people who just make you feel all warm and fuzzy. People whose homes make everyone welcome. People who would open their arms to you before you even ask. People who make you feel like your aren’t a failure. Susanne is that kind of people. She exudes warmth in everything that she does. She just makes you feel good to be around her. And… apparently she makes awesome Carmel Corn too!

Here’s Susanne’s Christmas Carmel Corn…

Christmas Carmel Corn

Ingredients:

• 5 quarts popcorn (about 1 cup unpopped popcorn, popped)
• 2 sticks salted butter
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon butter flavoring
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Boil brown sugar, butter, syrup, and salt for five minutes stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add butter flavoring and baking soda. Pour mixture over popcorn and stir well to coat. Spread on a cookie sheet. Place in 200-degree oven for one hour stirring at 15-minute intervals. Remove from oven and let cool. Store in covered container to keep crisp.

Enjoy Susanne’s Carmel Corn my friends. I have never made Carmel Corn but I may have to give this a try. Sounds yummy!

Sweetest Blessings,
LeAnn