Pepita, Sunflower Seed, Almond & Sea Salt Brittle

Wonderful stuff and very suiting for this time of year, I present to you a nutty brittle with notes of cinnamon, cardamon & nutmeg and an ever so slight sprinkling of sea salt!

Ingredients:
1 1/2 c granulated sugar
3/4 c light corn syrup
1/4 c unsalted butter, room temperature
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cardamon
1/2 vanilla bean, seeds scraped & bean discarded
1 c roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) sprinkled w sea salt
1/2 c roasted & sliced almonds
1/2 c roasted sunflower seeds, sprinkled w sea salt

Place a sheet of parchment paper on a large cookie sheet; set aside.  Tear off another sheet of parchment paper the same size and put aside.  Have your rolling pin handy.  Spray a wooden spoon with cooking oil and set aside. Combine nuts together in a bowl. Include any salt that has fallen off the nuts.  Set aside.  This will save you much needed time later.

In a large saucepan add the sugar, corn syrup, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamon & vanilla bean seeds.  Heat over LOW heat stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved and mixture starts to boil.  Attach a candy thermometer and continue cooking over LOW heat without stirring until the thermometer reaches 330*F.  Remove from heat immediately.  Quickly stir in nuts with the oiled spoon and pour out onto parchment covered cookie sheet. Spread with spoon as much as possible.  Cover the mixture with the loose parchment and with the rolling pin roll in each direction until the mixture is approximately 1/4" thick.  Let cool completely and break into pieces.  Brittle can be stored in an airtight container for up to a month.

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This recipe was adapted from The Brown Eyed Baker.

Munch a bunch o'brittle!

Natural Almond Brown Sugar Body Scrub w Oatmeal & Honey

This is my "go to" recipe for a natural, homemade body scrub, and makes wonderful gifts as well.

What you'll need:

3/4 C. packed Light Brown Sugar
1/2 C. processed Old Fashioned Oats
3 T Coarse Sea Salt (optional)
1 T Honey
1/3 C. Carrier Oil (Jojoba or Almond)
3-4 drops of Almond Essential Oil
10 oz. clean glass jar w/lid

Process Oats in food processor until fine.  In a large glass or stainless bowl mix together all ingredients, making sure there are no dry areas.  I prefer a moist, rather than a wet scrub.  However, if you prefer a wetter one, add more carrier oil - NOT essential oil.  Essential oil is very concentrated and should only be added a drop at a time until you achieve the fragrance strength you prefer. Place in jar and replace lid.  I prefer glass as opposed to plastic, firstly because it's earth-friendly, and secondly because the oil tends to break down the plastic over time and leaves a sticky residue.  Not ideal for reusing the container when it's time to make more.

The benes:  The oatmeal helps with itchy skin, the brown sugar acts as an exfoliant, adding sea salt helps heal irritated skin and provides a heavier exfoliant.  The honey has natural antiseptic & antibacterial properties, and the carrier oil is necessary as it is used to dilute essential oils before they are applied to the skin; i.e., they carry the essential oil onto the skin.  It also serves to moisten and soften your skin.  Essential oil provides a fragrance, so choose one that appeals to you.

Note: You can also grind up whole unblanched almonds and add as an exfoliant instead of the sea salt.

Use within 2 months.  Before refilling, clean the jar in hot, soapy water and dry with a clean cloth.



Always aromatherapy,