Candied Tradition

     One of my most favorite things to do during the holidays is bake! Anything with lots of sugar and makes my home spell scrumptious is on the list. Last week I made one of my all time faves...Cinnamon Sugar Almonds in the crockpot...mmmmm!! If you're like me, I love to give to everyone, the mailman, my hairstylst, co-workers and so on. I've found over the years that some sort of baked good can please almost all. I've done caramel apples, the ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cookies in a mason jar, chocolate covered pretzels, and sugar cookies with no complaints thus far. 
     This year I opted for the never failing candy coated almonds. These are so easy I almost feel guilty about not putting more effort in but let's be real, who really has a lot of extra time during the holidays. I just want to make sure everyone gets a little something so they know how special they are to me. All it takes is a few common ingredients and you'll have gifts to go around.
     This is all you'll need. The complete recipe is at the bottom.

     

     First, you'll mix together both sugars, cinnamon and salt in a medium sized bowl. Set aside. 

     Whisk the egg white and the vanilla together until they're a little frothy and then pour in the almonds to coat, and coat well. Next, pour the almonds into the sugar mixture and stir making sure to coat all of the almonds. Thoroughly Spray the inside of the crock pot with a non-stick spray and pour the sugar almonds in. Here's what it looks like, a little weird but just trust me, the magic is about to happen.

   

     Cook on low with the lid on for 3-4 hours stirring every 20 minutes. At the last hour, stir in the water. The will give them the crunchy coating. After adding the water, continue to cook for an hour still stirring every 20 minutes.

     Get ready, here comes the yumminess!

   

     Dump them out of the crockpot onto a baking sheet to cool, separating any of the almonds that might have stuck together. 

     Now it's time to be creative. I chose clear, cone shaped Cello bags I found at Hobby Lobby. Fill each bag with the sugar almonds and add a festive ribbon to top it off...voila! Adorable gifts to spread the holiday cheer.

     Complete Recipe:

                          1 1/2C. Sugar

                          1 1/2C. Brown Sugar

                          3 Tbsp. Cinnamon

                          1/8 tsp. Salt

                          1 egg white

                          2 tsp. vanilla

                          3C. Almonds

                          1/4C. water

     In a medium sized bowl, mix together sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. In another medium sized bowl, whisk the egg and vanilla until a little frothy. Add almonds. Make sure almonds are thoroughly coated in the egg white mixture. Add almonds to the cinnamon mixture and toss until coated. 

     Spray crock pot with non-stick spray and add the mixture of almonds and sugar.

     Cook on low 3-4 hours stirring every 20 minutes. In the last hour, add the water and stir well. Make sure to continue stirring every 20 minutes for another hour after the water is added.

Connect with us for the latest inspired, creative ideas!

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Follow us on Pinterest

Follow us on Google+

Phone: (573) 680-7078

www.ornamentsforkeeps.com

     

It's Never Too Soon To Think About the Holidays

     We've all heard the moans and groans from the people who hate to see anything Christmas before Halloween. But why not? Summer's end is the perfect time to start thinking about the holidays. Taking time to plan ahead now can make for a much more enjoyable holiday season.
1.There is just too much about Christmas to fit into one month. I'm not saying to fully deck out your décor now but having a game plan can only help. When stores first put out the holiday decorations get in there right away and take advantage of the savings. If you're like me I try and do a different theme every year. When I finally decide what that's going to be, buying the ornaments, ribbons, garland and everything else can be much cheaper this time of year. What about your holiday parties? Whether you're the host/hostess or just plan on attending, have it thought out. Decide early what food and beverages you'll be serving or taking, what fun games you'll be playing and what the theme will be. And then there's the Christmas cards. This can be a very challenging task. Getting that perfect family picture, picking out the card style and if you write a letter each year about what your family has been up to, have it all ready. The lead up to Christmas can be so fun!
2. 'Tis the reason for the season. In our religion, Jesus is a pretty important guy and celebrating his birth is the entire reason for the season. Think of ways to honor this special event, there are so many ways to give back. Choose a family in need from the angel tree and help them to have a special holiday. Serve at your local shelter and I know it may sound cliché but sometimes just a simple smile at someone can make all the difference.
3. Giving the perfect gifts. Putting extra thought into each person can make it all that more special. Sure, giving in general is great but when you find something that makes a person's face light up with joy, that's so much better. All it takes is a little thought and starting early can save you the stress of just having to pick up something at the last minute. Did I mention the sales? Get it early to save.
4. Personalized Christmas Ornaments. Of course I had to throw this in here:) Get your ornaments early. The new ornaments for 2016 have arrived and they're in stock. Whether you're starting the tradition of giving a personalized ornament every year or have been doing it for decades...the sooner the better!
ornamentsforkeeps.com
5. Christmas only comes once a year and is so magical, enjoy it!


Connect with us for the latest inspired, creative ideas!

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Pinterest

Follow us on Google+

Phone: (573) 893-3272
www.ornamentsforkeeps.com

The month of LOVE!

February is the month of LOVE! Although Valentine's Day only comes once a year there's never a bad time to tell the one you're with how much you love them.
    Some may view this holiday as being commercialized by card, candy, and flower companies to do nothing more than sell products, however, if you're that true romantic it can be so much more than that. Bigger is not always better.
     This day does not have to be all about spending, as some will say, sometimes it's all about the small things. Leave a love note and their favorite candy, make a romantic candlelit dinner at home, or maybe something as simple as taking a walk around the park.
     Then there's the other end of the spectrum with the gift of jewelry, roses and fine dining. If you're looking for something extra unique ,Ornaments for Keeps has a great idea...a personalized couple ornament. This is a gift that will be brought out year after year to remind that special someone just how much you love them. Whichever you may chose, make the most out of this special day!

Connect with us for the latest inspired, creative ideas!

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Pinterest

Follow us on Google+

Phone: (573) 893-3272
www.ornamentsforkeeps.com