salted caramel bars

I got this recipe from my mom, who got it from our friend (and amazing cook) Natalie Harris.  Whenever my mom makes these I get (a little too) excited.  They are so good... and so bad.  But mostly SO GOOD!

Combine the following to form a soft dough:

4 sticks butter, softened
1 c sugar
1 1/2 c powdered sugar
2 tbsp vanilla
4 c flour


When soft dough is formed, put 2/3 of it into a 9 x 13 greased pan.  Press gently into pan.  Bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes.  When done let cool for an additional 15 minutes.


Melt together the following ingredients then pour over cooled crust:

1 14oz bag caramels
1/3 c heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla


Drop remaining dough on top.  Sprinkle with coarse salt (1 tbsp).  Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes.

caramel corn

Caramel Corn is an easy, quick, relatively inexpensive, and yummy treat.

And it's a great idea for neighbor gifts or party favors - just wrap it up in cellophane and tie it with some fun ribbon and you've got a goodie that's tasty and cute as well.


"I can take an armful and make a treat, a popcorn ball that would smell so sweet..."

Caramel Corn:

4 bags popped popcorn

1/2 cup butter
1 cup Karo syrup
2 cups brown sugar, packed
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla

Pop popcorn and remove un-popped kernels. Set aside in extra-large mixing bowl.

Heat all remaining ingredients except vanilla in saucepan and bring to boil. On medium heat, boil until mixture reaches "soft ball" stage, stirring constantly (approx. three minutes). Remove from heat.

Immediately stir in vanilla.

Pour over popcorn stir until evenly coated. Place foil or waxed paper on counter, spread caramel corn on foil and let cool 30 minutes.


SO GOOD.