Tis the season

Tis the season to be merry... and to make winter treats! This winter, I have been trying my hand at homemade candies. I don't know many who dislike candies, especially during the holidays, and candies are especially delightful when they are made with love. Today is my dad's birthday, so for a special gift, I decided to make him a batch of cashew bark. So simple and so tasty.

Perhaps you would like to share this with someone you love, too!

Cashew Bark
1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda
1 teaspoon of water
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 1/2 cups of sugar
1 cup of water
1 cup of light corn syrup
3 tablespoons of margarine or butter (which ever you prefer!)
1 1/2 cup of chopped cashews

1. Butter two cookie sheets, and set aside. Then, mix together the baking soda, 1 teaspoon of water and the vanilla, and set aside (somewhere near your cooking surface, so it will be within reach when you need it later!).

2. In a large sauce pan, mix together sugar, remaining water, and corn syrup. Over medium heat, bring this mixture to 240 degrees, stirring occasionally. Stir in cashews and butter. Then, stirring constantly, bring this mixture to 300 degrees. Keep a close eye on the temperature, so as not to let your tasty candies burn!

3. When the mix reaches 300 degrees, remove from heat immediately, and add the reserved mixture of baking soda, water and vanilla. Pour the candy quickly and evenly onto your greased cookie pans, and spread until it is about 1/4 inch thick. Allow to cool, and then crack into pieces, by slamming the pan onto your countertop (you don't have to slam it extremely hard, but it is kind of fun to give it a good crack!)

Note: you can really use any nut you want. Also, it is kind of nice to spread some chocolate on top, before you crack it but after its cooled. A tasty treat, indeed!

Happy holidays and happy eating!