Random Life Events and Projects

Good evening,

This is really just a random post about what I've been up to lately...

First off, I dyed my hair over the weekend. It's a much brighter red/orange now, although people can't really seem to tell! :O so, I'll compare my hair from before to my hair now;

Notice a difference now? 

I also made yummy, healthy cocoa mint cookies (click here for the recipe). I'm really addicted to cooking and baking extremely healthy food. I have to say that I have been VERY much enjoying this cauliflower pizza crust lately. Personally, I think its better than traditional crust. I've made it twice so far (and plan to make it many, many more times). It is so delicious, and healthy!

I also painted pumpkins on my nails this weekend!

And I've been working on a new Polymer Clay project;

It's a charm bracelet for my childhood friend. The charms are baked, but are not painted yet. 

From left to right; a cinnamon bun, ice cream cone, piece of cake, doughnut, cupcake, and Poptart! The lighting makes them sort of hard to see, but I think it will be cute when its finished (and of course I'll post photos)!

***I will be making a post very soon about artsy projects that I've been doing. I also have quite a few other blog posts in progress!***

Finally, my best friend Michelle moved to Nova Scotia this passed weekend. Friday was our last day at school together.

I think a lot of things will be different, but we just have to put one foot in front of the other and do our best to continue on and live life the best way we know how. And its not like we'll never see each other again. 

I made the two of us matching strawberry charms too, I wore mine on a bracelet today;

There's a story behind why I chose strawberries, but I'm too lazy at the moment to explain. HOWEVER, Michelle did a lovely job of explaining it on her blog (that I forced her to make so that I could stalk her life) so check it out here.

I miss you already Micha-chan </3

Have a good evening everyone,

~Anne

Apple Cider Caramels' Recipe

Apple Cider Caramels 
2 cup high-quality apple cider 
1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream, divided
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch nutmeg
1/4 tsp allspice
1 1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup real butter, cubed

- Pour cider into a medium saucepan and boil on high for about 20 minutes or until the cider is reduced to 1/3 c. Keep an eye on it…it might try to run away. Set aside to cool.

- Line an 8” square pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave about 1” hanging over the edges for easy removal. Coat with a bit of vegetable oil and set aside. 

- In a small bowl, combine 2/3 c. cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and reduced apple cider. Set aside.

- In a large, heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, 1/3 c. whipping cream + enough water to reach the 1/2 c. line on the measuring cup, and corn syrup. Cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Insert the candy thermometer and simmer until the syrup reaches 234 degrees.

- Remove from heat and slowly whisk in the cream mixture. Add the cubed butter and stir until the cream and butter are fully incorporated. Return the pan to heat and re-insert the candy thermometer. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the temperature reaches 248 degrees.

- Remove from heat and pour the caramel into the prepared pan. Let the mixture cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator. I covered the top of the pan loosely with saran wrap and left it out overnight. You could cut the caramels into 1/2” squares and wrap each caramel in wax paper, but I’m lazy so I cut the caramel into 1/2” logs, which meant that I had exponentially fewer pieces to individually wrap. Store in an airtight container or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, but I can guarantee that they won’t last that long. These things are delicious!

*Disclaimer*

I have not yet tried this recipe, and it does not belong to me. I found it at;

http://365daysofhalloween.tumblr.com

When I do try it, I'll update this post and let'ya know how it is ;)

~Anne