12 Days of Christmas

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, eight maids a milking...

This season, treat your friends to one of these delicious homemade treats using Brach's Milk Maid Caramels. I'm so clever.

~ Caramel Apples ~
Courtesy of Brach's

14 oz package Brach's Milk Maid Caramels
Wooden sticks
5 -6 medium apples {I like green!}
2 tbsp water

Microwave {I like shortcuts!}: Wash and dry apples thoroughly. Unwrap and place the caramels and water in a microwavable bowl and melt on high for 3 minutes, stirring once or twice, or until the mixture is smooth. Place each apple into the bowl, spooning mixture over the apples coating as desired. Insert a wooden stick into the stem end and remove from bowl.

Roll around in toppings like crushed nuts, candies, or chocolate. Place on wax paper and refrigerate until set.

~ Turtle Brownies ~
Courtesy of Brach's

1 double fudge brownie mix
14 oz bag Brach's Milk Maid Caramels
1 tbsp heavy cream, half and half, or milk

Prepare brownie mix as directed. Spread half of the batter in a greased 9 x 9" pan. Slice half of the caramels into 1/4" thick pieces. and spread evenly over the brownie batter. Cover with remaining brownie batter and bake as directed. Remove from oven. Melt remaining caramels with cream in the microwave on high power, 40-45 seconds, stir well. Microwave an additional 20 seconds or until caramel is smooth. Drizzle over warm brownies and let cool completely on wire rack.

~ Caramel Bars ~
Courtesy of Brach's

1 c all purpose flour
1 1/4 c quick cooking oats
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 c butter
3/4 c sugar
14 oz Brach's Milk Maid Caramels
small can evaporated milk
1/2 c chopped pecans

For the cookie crust, combine flour, oats, soda and salt. In a mixing bowl, beat butter 30 seconds. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Beat in oat mixture until crumbly. Do not over mix.

Reserve 1 c of crust and press the rest into a 9 x 13 x 2" baking dish. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

In saucepan, cook unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk over low heat until the caramels melt and mixture is smooth. Spread over pre-baked cookie crust. Sprinkle the nuts, reserved crust on top, and chocolate chips {optional}. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes or until crumbs are golden. Cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.