Frugal Old Fashioned Hard Candy

Frugal Old Fashioned Hard Candy

2 c.s sugar

1/2 c. light Karo syrup

1/2 c. water

Stir over low heat until dissolved. Turn heat to high.

Using a candy thermometer cook until temperature reads 310 F. REMOVE IMMEDIATELY and pour into an 8" greased metal pan. After a few minutes check for firmness and when you can cut and a top imprint holds, start cutting with a knife one way in one inch sections, turn pan and make one inch squares. Continuously cut squares, working fast, until squares are almost cut through to the bottom. Turn out into wax paper, and finish breaking by hand.

Flavorings and Colors (a few drops of food coloring)

1/4 tsp. peppermint oil − green

1/4 tsp. clove oil − yellow

1/4 tsp. cinnamon oil − red

1/4 tsp. lemon oil − yellow

Combine desired color and flavor in the beginning with sugar, syrup, and water.

Frugal Sweet Potato Casserole

Frugal Sweet Potato Casserole

4 medium Sweet potatoes or -- yams (about 2 lb)

1/4 c. Packed brown sugar

1/4 c. Butter

1/2 tsp. Salt

1 Can (8 oz) crushed -- pineapple

1 tbsp. Packed brown sugar

1 tbsp. Butter

1 tsp. Water

1/2 tsp. Ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. Ground nutmeg

1 1/2 c.s Miniature marshmallows

1/4 c. Chopped pecans

1. Wash sweet potatoes. Prick each 2 or 3 times with fork to allow steam to escape. Arrange in oven at least 1 inch apart. Microwave at HIGH (100%) until fork-tender, 8 to 10 mins. Cover and let stand 5 minutes.

2. Peel and slice potatoes. Place in 2-qt. casserole. Add 1/4 c. butter and the salt. Mash until no lumps remain. Combine in pineapple. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 2 minutes. Stir and set aside.

3. Place 1 tbsp. brown sugar, 1 tbsp. butter, the water, cinnamon, and nutmeg in medium bowl. Microwave at HIGH (100%) until butter is melted, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, stirring after half the time. Add marshmallows; toss to coat. Top sweet potato mixture with marshmallows. Microwave at HIGH (100 % until the marshmallows are melted and potatoes are heated through, 2 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle with pecans.