Sweet Gifts

Get it? Sweet gifts. Sweets that are gifts! 

I just thought I'd share a couple amazingly easily and scrumptious recipes that I used this year as Christmas gifts. 

I think both candies are perfect for really anyone that enjoys sweets...but you just might have to try them and determine that yourself.

Candied Pecans- These really couldn't get easier. They're made in a crockpot for goodness sakes! I sprinkled these pecans with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Saltine Toffee- If you haven't tried it, do it, and do it soon.

Saltine Toffee

• 40 pieces Saltine Crackers
• ¾ cups Butter
• 1 cup Light Brown Sugar
• 2 cups Milk Chocolate Chips
• 1 cup Chopped Almonds

1. Line a baking sheet or jelly roll pan with aluminum foil and grease or spay with PAM. Lay saltine crackers in a single layer in the pan.
2. Preheat oven to 400F. Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, stirring constantly. Add brown sugar and stir until combined. Bring to a rolling boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and pour butter/sugar mixture over saltines.
3. Bake at 400F for 5 minutes or until bubbly.
4. Remove from oven and before crackers cool, sprinkle chocolate chips over the top. Allow it to set for 5 minutes or until the chocolate chips are melted. Spread the chocolate across the crackers with a knife or large spatula. Sprinkle chopped nuts across the top, if desired.
5. Let tray cool in the refrigerator for approximately 2 hours, or until candy is chilled. Break into pieces and store in a tin for up to 3 days.


Candied Pecans

• 16 ounces pecans or walnut halves
• 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Turn slow cooker to HIGH about 15 minutes in advance. In hot slow cooker, stir together the nuts and butter. Add the powdered sugar, stirring to blend and coat evenly. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to LOW and remove lid; cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 2 to 3 hours, or until the nuts are coated with a crisp glaze.
Transfer the nuts to a bowl.
In another small bowl, combine the spices; sift over the nuts, stirring to coat evenly.
Let cool before serving.