Giving.....
The Holidays...It's that time again.... about sharing and showing the caring... :-)
As cold as this time of the year usually is, I love the warmth that permeates everywhere.. from careless laughter... bright, cheery smiles as people walk by festive store windows... joy of shopping... and more importantly for me.. the joy of giving...
I will always remember my granddad's words... the joy of giving is so much more than the thrill of receiving.. and I could not agree more. I am delighted when I receive gifts, oh yes! But, I have to say that the happy glow from the giving is definitely longer lasting.
From thinking of the perfect gift, to the words on the card... it's all about remembering and celebrating why someone is special to you....
This year, I baked and made candy. For an extra special touch, I added saffron in the candy and topped off with saffron salt. It's a crumbly candy with a satisfying butter scotch finish and a lingering after-taste of the silk route.
Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah!!! :)
Saffron Caramel Candy Barks
(adapted from Epicurious)
1 cup heavy cream
5 T unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 tsp salt
generous pinch of saffron
1-3/4 cups sugar
2 T water
3/4 tsp saffron salt (optional)
Arrange parchment paper on the bottom of a 11 x 7 inch baking pan.
Bring cream, butter and salt to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat, stir in the saffron and set aside for atleast 15 minutes.
In a heavy bottomed pan large enough to hold a gallon of liquid, boil the sugar and water stirring until sugar is dissolved. Continue boiling while gently swirling the pan until the mixture is a light golden caramel.
Slowly stir in the cream mixture into the caramel (please be careful, the cream boils up a wrathful fury!) and simmer, stirring frequently, until caramel registers 250°F on thermometer. It will take about 12 minutes. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, sprinkle the saffron salt, if using, and cool for about 1.5 hours.
Using a sharp knife, score across the cooled candy to make pieces. They will tend get away from you and break away on their own. Fret not, go with the flow. It needn't be perfect!
That's love, peeps!
