Time-Saving Caramel Dip

Holy monkeys! What happened to December?

I can’t believe I’ll be flying home in just a few days! I’m almost done Christmas shopping, but I can’t believe how quickly it’s coming. Which is probably good considering the amount of holiday goodies I’ve been eating.

And as you can see, I’ve been busy making a Gingerbread Toaster:

The iphone picture doesn’t do it justice. You can’t see the power cord coming out of it, or the little lever that you’d push down. I’m also not sure why the toaster has a face, but that’s ok. It was the winner of the terribly-unofficially-twitter-voting-system. And that’s what matters. *(Note, I was busy taking pictures and barely had a hand in this creation. But the boys on my team did an excellent job.)

Anyways, I’m sure I’m not the only one who is feeling like the days are becoming a blur. Where the heck did the time go? I had 10 christmas parties (+2 birthday parties) to attend over the course of 6 days. Needless to say, I had to give up making all of them, and just hit as many as I could!

Since a lot of these events were the “bring a dish to share” type of shindigs, I’ve been relying on some super quick, super simple recipes.

And if I can incorporate some fruit, well, that’s a bonus.

I did some googling for basic types of caramel dip, and then improvised my own with some ingredients I had on hand. So here’s what went down

Caramel Sauce

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 cup brown Sugar, Packed
• 1/2 cup Half-and-half
• 2 tsp vanilla
• pinch of salt

All you have to do is cook it over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, while stirring to ensure that it doesn’t burn. Then pour into a bowl or jar and let it cool. (You don’t even have to let it cool, I served it warm!)

I recommend it with apple slices and pretzel sticks! It also ensures that you’ll have the option of fruit at the party! 🙂

It was hard to get a picture without getting a hand in there!

(Good sign, I think!)

 Did you make a gingerbread house? What would you dip in caramel?