Caramels

Ingredients

•     2 cups white sugar
•     1 cup packed brown sugar
•     1 cup corn syrup
•     1 cup evaporated milk
•     1 pint heavy whipping cream
•     1 cup butter
•     1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

1.
Grease a 12x15 inch pan.

2.
In a medium-size pot, combine sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, evaporated milk, whipping cream, and butter. Monitor the heat of the mixture with a candy thermometer while stirring. When the thermometer reaches 250 degrees F (120 degrees C) remove the pot from the heat.

3.
Stir in vanilla. Transfer mixture to the prepared pan and let the mixture cool completely. When cooled cut the Carmel into small squares and wrap them in wax paper for storage.

Ginger Cookies

Ingredients

•    3/4 cup butter
•     1 cup packed brown sugar
•     1 egg
•     1/4 cup molasses
•     2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
•     2 teaspoons ground ginger
•     2 teaspoons baking soda
•     1/2 teaspoon salt
•     1 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger root
•     1/2 cup chopped crystallized ginger

Directions

1.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and molasses. Combine the flour, ground ginger, baking soda, and salt; stir into the molasses mixture using a wooden spoon. Mix in the fresh and crystallized gingers. Cover, and refrigerate dough for at least 2 hours, or overnight.

2.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Shape dough into 1 inch balls, and place about 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet.

3.
Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Cool on wire racks.

Halloween Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

    1 1/2 cups butter, softened
    2 cups white sugar
    4 eggs
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    5 cups all-purpose flour
    2 teaspoons baking powder
    1 teaspoon salt

Directions

1.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).

2.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

3.
Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.