Let's burn some sugar! Caramel Sauce...

People had consistently asking me how NOT to burn the caramel sauce.  Truth to be told... it's easy... just let it BURN (to a certain degree, of course), baby... That's where the favor comes from!  No, really... I understand that watching your sugar "burn" is a scary process, especially we had been taught that "burning" is BAD.  So I took step by step photo for this, and hope this will help. :)


Caramel Sauce

8 oz Sugar
2 oz Corn Syrup
1 oz Water


6 oz Heavy Cream

• Place sugar, corn syrup, and water into a 10" pot (yes, TEN inch!).  Give it a quick stir to make sure all the sugar is wet.  Use a little wet brush to brush down the sugar on the side.
•  Cook the sugar in medium heat.  As the water cook off, sugar will started to bubble.  Your pot of sugar should look something like this

• Keep cooking until your pot started to turn color and you may turn the heat down if you are not comfortable continue at medium heat.  If you add cream at this point, this is called the golden/blond caramel.

•  Cook the sugar to dark amber color, turn the heat off 

• Add cream SLOWLY.  IT WILL FOAM!!  Gently stir after each addition, until all cream is added.  Return the pot back to heat to melt down the seized sugar.   Let it cool in a heat proof container then place in a air tight container & refrigerated up to 2 months!

Life has gone crazy! Time for Espresso Hazelnut Cookies!

It has been 2 months since the last post, I didn't forget you all, I promise!  I took a new job to opening a store and it has literally turn my life upside down & into a 24/7 job in the past couple month.  However, I promise, in the near future, there will be more to come! 

I don't normally eat sweets, but here is my all time favorite!  Honestly, I can not stop eating these cookies whenever I made it.  I modify it from Martha Stewart's recipe so I can't claim the glory to myself!  The portioned cookie can be freezes & store in a airtight container for up to 1 month, thaw before using.



Espresso Hazelnut Cookies

2 C AP
1 t baking soda
1 t salt
16 T (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 C sugar
1/2 C packed light-brown sugar
2 large eggs
3 - 4 tablespoons instant espresso powder
2 cups hazelnuts, toasted, chopped (sliced almond works as well)

 

 

1. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. With an electric mixer, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy.  Add egg, one at a time. 
3. Add espresso powder.  Love espresso/coffee, use 4 T instead.
4. With a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, mix in hazelnuts.
5. Bake at 375 F, until golden, about 12 minutes.  Cool completely. Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.