Microwave Caramels

I thought it was about time someone posted something new....so here it is. SO EASY! SO FAST and SO GOOD!!! Perfect for holiday parties and gifts. Love to all my Ladies!!!

2 c. Sugar
1 c. Butter
1 c. Light Corn Syrup

14oz. Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 c. Chopped Nuts (Optional)-(I like Almonds.)
1 tsp. Vanilla

Microwave on high, uncovered, sugar, butter and corn syrup. (A total of 15 minutes). Stir every 3 minutes. When you stop to stir, gradually add the milk. Use a clean spoon every time you stir. At the end of 15 minutes add the nuts and vanilla. Pour into a buttered 9 by 13 glass pan. Cool thoroughly, cut into strips and wrap in waxed paper.

Makes 2 lbs.

Cinnamon-Roasted Almonds

INGREDIENTS

• 1 egg white
• 1 teaspoon cold water
• 3 cups whole almonds
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Lightly grease a 10x15 inch jellyroll pan.
2. Lightly beat the egg white; add water, and beat until frothy but not stiff. Add the nuts, and stir until well coated. Mix the sugar, salt, and cinnamon, and sprinkle over the nuts. Toss to coat, and spread evenly on the prepared pan.
3. Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, stirring occasionally, until golden. Allow to cool, then store nuts in airtight containers.

Broccoli Salad

Since Sarah posted her yummy party pasta salad, I decided to post another salad that I have enjoyed at similar get togethers. My aunt is usually the host of all our family parties and showers and she always makes these same two salads and I LOVE them both. I am sure you all have had this one in some form or another, but I thought it would be nice to have 2 recipes handy, that have been tried and tested, for such occasions. Enjoy!

2 pounds broccoli, chopped (take stems off)

1 1/2 lbs. bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 1/2 cups mozerella cheese, grated

1/4-1/2 cup chopped red onion

1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed

1 cup sunflower seeds (not salted)

*Add all ingredients together and then mix in dressing. Top with sunflower seeds.

Dressing

1 cup mayo

1/3 cup white sugar

2 Tbsp. vinegar

*mix together and let set in fridge for 20-30 minutes.

Chicken and Pasta Salad

-3 cups uncooked Bowtie Pasta (6 cups cooked)
-4 cups Chicken, cooked and diced
-1 cup Mayo
-1 cup Coleslaw Dressing
-2 cups seedless purple Grapes
-2 cups diced Apples (granny smith)
-1 (20 oz.) can of crushed Pineapple, drained
-1/3 cup Green Onions
-2 cups Celery
-Cashews

*Cook pasta and set aside. Mix mayo and coleslaw dressing together. Then add all ingredients into a bowl and stir in mayo/dressing mix.