Caramel Corn

1/4 c. corn kernels
1/2 c. brown sugar, firmly packed
1/4 c. (half a stick) margarine
15 large marshmallows

Pop kernels in popcorn popper. Melt other ingredients in a heavy sauce pan, stirring frequently (1 - 2 minutes). Pour over popcorn until it is evenly coated.  Enjoy!

Thin Mints

2 c. milk chocolate chips or disks (divided)
1 c. mint green chips or disks
3 T. Crisco--1 T. per cup of chips (divided)

In a microwave-proof bowl put 1 c. milk chocolate and 1 T. Crisco. Melt for 2 minutes at 50% power. Stir until smooth and all melted. Spread on parchment paper out to approximately 12 x 14.  Keep as flat as possible. Cool a little between layers. Repeat for mint/Crisco in a clean bowl. Spread mint on the chocolate layer. Repeat the final chocolate/Crisco in a clean bowl. When it seems a little cool, cut with sharp thin knife into 1" squares, or 1/2" x 1 1/2" sticks. Keep in a cool place, not the fridge or freezer. 

10 Minute Microwave Peanut Brittle

1 c. white sugar

1/2 c. light corn syrup

1 T. water

1 c. salted peanuts

1/8 t. salt if using unsalted nuts

1 T. butter

1 t. vanilla 

1 t. baking soda - very fresh

Butter a cookie sheet. Combine sugar and corn syrup and water in a 2 quart glass bowl and microwave on high 4 minutes. Stir in peanuts (and salt if using unsalted nuts) and microwave on high 4 minutes more, then stir in butter and microwave for 2 minutes. Now add 30 seconds at a time if needed and stir each time 1-2 times until great brown paper bag color. (290° plus degrees)

Stir in vanilla and baking soda until light and foamy. Pour quickly onto cookie sheet (you can spread thin with back of a spoon if desired). Cool completely and break into pieces and serve. 

This is my favorite microwave brittle - excellent and easy, even fine on a humid day. 

Mints

1 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup light Karo syrup
1/2 cup water
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
Wintergreen

Cook the sugar, karo syrup and water to a short thread. Add cream of tartar. Beat. Add color and flavoring. Drop onto waxed paper. If needed, add a little water to soften candy.