Toffee Butter Crunch Recipe

Toffee Butter Crunch

Prep: 15 Minutes      Cook: 20 Minutes     Chill: 20 Minutes

Makes: about 1 1/2 pounds (48 servings)

1 Cup butter

1 Cup sugar

3 Tablespoons water

1 Tablespoon light-colored corn syrup

1 Cup semisweet chocolate pieces

1/2 Cup finely chopped pecans or almonds, toasted (see below)

1. Line a 15 x 10 x 1 inch baking pan with foil, extending foil over the edges of pan; set pan aside.

2. Butter the sides of of a 2-quart heavy saucepan.In the saucepan, melt butter, add sugar, water and corn syrup. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until mixture boils.Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Reduce heat to medium;  Continue boiling at a moderate, steady rate, stirring frequently until thermometer reaches 290 degrees, soft crack stage (about 15 minutes). (Adjust heat as necessary to maintain a steady boil). Watch carefully after 280 degrees to prevent scorching. Remove saucepan from heat; remove thermometer. Pour candy into the foil prepared pan, spreading quickly.

3. Let candy stand about 3 minutes or until set; sprinkle with chocolate pieces. Let stand 1 to 2 minutes. When chocolate has softened, spread over candy. Sprinkle with nuts. Chill about 20 minutes, or until firm. Use foil to lift out of the pan; break into pieces. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

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Toasting Nuts, Seeds and Coconut: Toasting  heightens the flavor of nuts, seeds and coconut. To toast, spread the food in a single layer in a shallow baking pan. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 5 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown, watching carefully and stirring once or twice so the food doesn't burn.

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Notes From Me:  I have made this several times, now. As with most recipes, I don't follow all the directions :)  I haven't included the chocolate (yet!). I toast the almond slices before I get occupied with the boiling and stirring. Once the mixture is done boiling, I turn the burner off but don't remove the saucepan. I then add the toasted almond slices to the mixture, stirring them in well. I then proceed to pour the candy into the foil lined pan. 

Recipe from the Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book

Happy Father's Day!

     Father. Dad. Papa. Pop. Whatever you call him one thing is for sure. He is one of a kind. We are shaped and molded and become the people we are by the people and experiences in our lives. Our Dads play an important if not fully understood role. Most of us grow up knowing the role our mother's play. That too is a complicated relationship, but with Dad's it's different and I'm not sure they fully (or any of us) understand how much influence they have on us.

A young man in the Navy

      For much of my young life my dad was working. He was in the Navy, then he had a job that took him away for days, even a week or so at a time. He worked hard and even won awards for his job performance. Somehow in his absence and in part because of our mom, we respected him for his role as head of the family. He was everything from a truck driver, to a Safety Man over a fleet of trucks, to an auto body man that did show quality paint jobs, to a hospice chaplain and Clown.  Our dad didn't "rule" by fear but we did get disciplined when we had behaved badly. He was fair and honest. He talked TO us, not at us. He taught us things we probably didn't even know were life lessons at the time. He was also so much fun! He made us shaped pancakes. We could tell him what we wanted and in minutes there would be a pancake in the shape of Mickey Mouse's head, a giraffe, even money, with different sizes for each of your "coins". He took his vacation time from work during the Summer and we camped at the lake for at least a week. One Christmas we went out of state to his parent's house. It was not the most pleasant trip (a whole other story!). We arrived back home in the very early hours of either Christmas day or the day after. We were tired, worn out and after the dismal trip just ready to be home. We we sure Santa had passed by our house since no one had been there and there were no milk and cookies for him. When we opened the door three kids lit up brighter than the sun and two tired parents were delighted to see their kids joy. It seemed the room was completely filled from the corner where the Christmas tree was almost to the door! All the weariness melted away and we were transformed into laughing smiling faces. I didn't find out until many years later that mom and dad had given one of my best friend's dad the key to our house so he could put the presents out in their absence. Even as an adult the memory of coming through that door makes me smile. Because of Dad's hard work, strong ethics, Mom's love and support of him, their unified teamwork and their love for their children, we had a childhood filled with great memories. There were still bad things and tough times we went through, but without the family I was blessed with, those time would have been a lot worse and I would not have become the person I am.
     As an adult I have a completely different relationship with my Dad. It has evolved into a more than just being his daughter. He is my friend. I can talk to him about adult things and still have tons of fun with him. Last year he got very sick and only after an exam did we find out he had had a heart attack and had to have stents put in to open a clogged artery. Thankfully he recovered and is much better now. It was so scary sitting in that hospital thinking we might lose him. Even now those kind of thoughts bring tears to my eyes. Even as adults, our family needs him... I need him. We are still evolving, changing, growing. I am not done learning from him (I WILL get the hang of making balloon art, I promise, Dad!)

A whole new personality!

     Because of the man he was when I was growing up I became the person I am. And because of his example, I married a man who has been the best father to our son. My husband is setting good examples for our son teaching him things that will stay with him forever and guide him through life. I have watched my husband morph from a high school boy through college graduate, to a husband, to a business man and to a father. Again, a life not without problems or troubles, but one filled with unique experiences that could have only become treasured memories because of him. The are our own, unique and one of a kind to us. I can only pray that when my son is reflecting on his childhood that the force of the happy times, fun memories and lessons he learned bring him an appreciate and gratitude that he knows is irreplaceable. I know that because of the man his dad is, he is already well on his way to becoming a fine man. 

I have been blessed with men in my life that were and are positive influences and role models. I am blessed that I am still able to able to learn from them. Above all I am blessed to have them here with me in this life. I love you Dad. Thank you for all it all. I love you honey. Thank you for being the Dad you are. I could not ask for more. 

A Hands-On Dad

Building Memories

To all the dad's out there. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY. 

Blogging, Bloggers and Friends

     When I started my blog I had no idea where I wanted it to go. I really had not idea what to even put in this little space that I was going to be my own little part of the world wide web. I created it, posted a few things and then got busy with so many other things in life, it was pushed to a back burner. I posted a few random things, but by and large it was not a significant part of my life. Little more than a year ago, I began seeing giveaways on Facebook and entering and I noticed very quickly that they were linked to bloggers and it brought mine back into focus. I had absolutely no one seeing or following so I began to join in promoting the giveaways for a little exposure and try to gain some experience. Still have a ways to go on both counts.
      However, another funny thing happened..... I began talking with these others bloggers. Putting names with blog titles, reading the thoughts they have written, having people that could help and answer questions when I felt stuck. Having people that understand when I need to rant about frustrations that pop up in the blogsphere. I find myself in a wonderful mix of company that makes me totally laugh out loud or even cry depending on where our discussions wander. I feel their elation during happy moments and ache with them when they are having trouble or suffer a loss. I have never met these people face to face but they have become an important group of people. Our experiences vary as we have all been blogging for different amounts of time have very different life experiences and lifestyles. I belong to one group that is particularly close and it is great. I get to see different viewpoints and opinions without anyone getting bashed or torn down. Every day brings us something new to discuss and we revel in gladness and wallow in despair together. Being connected to people you wouldn't know if you passed them on the street sometimes seems like a strange situation. But when I consider that I live near family that I rarely get to see just because everyone's schedules conflict, it really isn't all that strange. It's reassuring to know there is a group of people that are willing to help at the click of a submit button and are there to listen when I need an ear.
     So for all my "bloggie" buddies, I have to say thank you for not only helping me get back on my blogging journey, but for being there to help me navigate it!

Mommy Lesson Plans summer Bash - 16 Winners!!

Welcome to Mommy Lesson Plans Summer Bash!

Hosted by Mommy Lesson Plans

I cannot forget my wonderful co-hosts!

Joy Makin Mamas

Sale Camel

Monica's Rants, Raves, and Reviews

Faith Filled Footsteps

and Simply at Home Mom

This is HUGE giveaway and we have a lot of awesome sponsors. There will be 16 winners! You heard that right! 16 winners for everything from food to swimsuits to sunglasses for the kiddos.

Our sponsors have been VERY kind so please stop by and show them a little love or purchase a product that piques your interest! Mommy Lesson Plans has reviewed most of the products listed so feel free to head to the site and read up on all of these wonderful prizes!

Crane USA ~ Drop or Adorable Humidifier (winner's choice of style and color)

Toysplay ~ Capri Pool Lounger

YumEarth ~ Organic Lollipops (delicious!)

Waxelene ~ 2oz jar of Waxelene

Hapari ~ $95 gift code from swimsuit of choice

Survival Straps ~ 2 bracelet and key fob sets (winner's choice of color)

My Simple Clean ~ $10 gift code for products of choice

My True Nature ~ Tubby Time bath set

Begin Again Toys ~ Lemonade play set

Mommy Lesson Plans ~ $80 Swimspot gift code

Saffron Road ~ 2 winners of FREE product coupons!

Namaste Foods ~ Namaste Prize Pack (TONS of awesome products!)

Bee Alive Spa ~ Balanced Petite Collection

Real Kids Shades ~ 1 pair of kids shades (winners choice)

Gfreely ~ 1 month subscription box

Please use the giveaway tools form below to claim your entries. Must be 18 or older to enter and win. Giveaway is open to US residents only. All entries are OPTIONAL! Giveaway begins 6/15 at 9pm and ends 7/15 at 9pm. Good luck!

Entry-Form

MPL Disclaimer: The previous post may contain affiliate links. If these links are clicked, I may receive monetary compensation. If this is a product review, I received a free sample to facilitate my review. No monetary compensation was provided. All opinions are completely my own. My participation is voluntary. I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.
The Happy Clown With A Frown received no compensation for participating in this event and is not responsible for prize delivery.

Enter To Win A Soda Stream Giveaway!

Spring is here and Summer is just around the corner. The kiddies will be out of school and vacations/staycations will be planned. And get togethers and BBQ’s will abound everywhere. Tricias-List.com and a few other friendly bloggers from all over are presenting to you an opportunity to win your very Fountain JET SODA LOVER’S Start Up Kit ($99.95) from Soda Stream .If you are interested ,please take a few moments to fill out the form below .The giveaway is set to begin June 18 and will last until July 4.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sittin' in the Summer sun

soakin' up some rays

and havin' fun

Got my girl on my arm

a cold soda in hand

dancin' on the beach

rollin' in the sand

©Lisa Williams

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Thank you and good luck !!

Tricias-List would like to thank all of the Bloggers who participated in this giveaway ...and most importantly, a big “THANK YOU” to all of our readers !!

Entry-Form


Disclosure: The Happy Clown With A Frown received no compensation for this post and is not responsible for prize shipment

Enter the Crocodile Slide Giveaway

I don't know about you but I'm so ready to get this summer started! MomsRBomb has teamed up with Blast Zone to offer you this amazing giveaway!

Moms R Bomb was given the opportunity to review the Crocodile Water Slide and you can read the full review here.

What better way to get your summer started than having this Crocodile Water Slide in your yard! I'm pretty sure this will make you the coolest mom on the block.

It's Summer!! We love going to the water park, but it is SO expensive! And there is the packing all the things you'll need for the day... or MIGHT need. It would be so great to go out into the yard and BE at the water park!

This giveaway is being Co-Hosted by:

• Shopping Wives 
• Branson Mama Saves
• Familial Ramblings
• The Crafeteria
• The Stuff of Success

This giveaway will run from June 12th to June 30th. All entries are optional! However, the more entries you complete the better your chances of winning are. All entries will be verified. This giveaway is open to residents of the USA only. Once winner has been notified they will have 48-hours to respond or another winner will be picked! YOUR BLOG NAME is not responsible for shipping. Blast Zone is responsible for shipping the prize to the winner. This prize is valued at $599.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enter to Win A Sprout Non-Toxic Polish Set

Every person is beautiful in their own way. Sometimes the beauty radiates like sunlight and everyone in the world sees it. Sometimes the beauty burns bright as a lamp and those within in the the circle of light see it. For some, the beauty smolders like the coals of a campfire and only those huddled close see it and appreciate it's warmth. For others the beauty comes straight from the soul and only those that look deeply are blessed enough to witness beauty in it's truest form.

                                                                                           © Lisa Williams

Recently, I received some Sprout Non-Toxic Polish to review. The colors I got were Bubble Gum Kisses, Sparkling Love, Amped Up Red, Feathery Pink, Sparkling Happiness, and Raindrop Clear.

If you aren't familiar with Sprout let me tell you a bit about them!

Spout Non-Toxic Nail Polish was created by Killen Studios Inc. It's a small family owned and operated business in Providence, RI. They design, manufacture, and package their own products.

I LOVE that it is made in the USA.

Now, I'm sure some of you are curious what Non-Toxic means. Well, for starters it means it is free from harmful chemicals such as those known as the "toxic trio" found in many regular nail polishes. This makes Sprout Non-Toxic Nail Polish perfect for children, pregnant women, and any one else who truly cares about what they put onto their body! Here is a little graphic that goes into detail.

Now, onto the colors! They are very rich and pigmented. First, I tried Bubble Gum Kisses on my daughter. She loved the glittery pink color. It is very sparkly with a hint of color. I imagine it would intensify with a second coat, but you know kids. They don't stand still long enough!

The first polish I tried on myself was the Amped Up Red. It is a very bright, orangey red color. It's a creme shade with no sparkle. 

I have to say, first, that I didn't put a base coat. I should have because you can see every bump on my nails. I'm fairly sure a base coat would put a stop to that. Also, it's important to note that without a top coat the solid colors dry to a sort of matte, chalky looking color. Even using the Raindrop Clear was helpful for this. 

As far as drying speed, the glittery polishes do take longer to dry but overall, they all dry quite quickly. That is definitely a bonus when you are doing your kids nails or your own, if you are chasing after kiddos! 

I'm really glad I found these polishes and my daughter loves that she has polish that is all hers!

Well, except for when Mommy borrows some. The lovely people at Sprout have given me a set of nail polishes just for you!

One Lucky Winner will win a 4 polish gift set!

US Residents 18 and up ONLY

Void Where Prohibited

All winning entries WILL be verified

Giveaway ends 6/30/2013 at 11:59pm EST

Entry-Form

Disclosure: This giveaway is not associated with, affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or any other social media platform in any way. Social media outlets are in no way responsible for sponsor prize fulfillment. Love, JulieBug alone is responsible for fulfilling the aforementioned prize. This blog did not receive compensation for posting this giveaway. Your information will not be shared with anyone without your explicit consent. This giveaway event is hosted by Julie from Love, JulieBug. You can contact Julie at lovejuliebug@gmail.com with any questions, concerns, or to have your company featured on Love, JulieBug.