Friday, April 20, 2012

Gift Buckets Galore

I recently was asked by my husband to create something that he could gift to members of his team at work.  After some thought and consideration, I decided to go with a gift basket, but using a bucket instead, thinking this was a more "manly" choice.

I dipped pretzel rods in milk chocolate and added a variety of toppings (nuts, white chocolate chips, coconut, white chocolate drizzle, etc).



I then made home made caramel popcorn and sealed that first in plastic bags which were then placed into burlap bags I had sewn together and tied shut with a fabric remnant.

The biggest and most time consuming undertaking was the homemade caramels dipped in chocolate.  However, they were definitely worth the work!  They were a huge hit.

Aunt Emily's Soft Caramels
2 c sugar
1 c packed brown sugar
1 c softened butter
1 c milk
1 c whipping cream
1 c light corn syrup
1 t vanilla

Directions:  In a 4 qt saucepan combine all ingredients except vanilla.  Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved and butter is melted (20-25 minutes).  Contineu cooking without stirring until candy thermometer reaches 248 degrees or a small amount of mixture dropped into ice water forms a firm ball (about 2 hours).  Note:  Usually I have to go a good bit longer than 2 hours to reach 248.  Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, pour into buttered 13x9 pan (I used glass) and cool completely.  Cut into small squares.

I added various items to each bucket as well as personalized it with a wooden monogram.

It was a huge success!  The guys loved it (especially the chocolate!)

The finished product:




Linked to:  Making Monday Marvelous, Meet Me Monday

8 comments:

  1. These are SO cute! I love chocolate covered pretzels...I'll have to give this a try. Maybe a patriotic version for the upcoming holidays?

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  2. These are just GREAT!
    It's such a wonderful and Delicious looking treat

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  3. This is so cute and such a fun idea! We're so glad you joined us for "Strut Your Stuff Saturday." Thanks and come back soon!! -The Sisters

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  4. This recipes looks delicious. Thanks for sharing it with us. Come and visit. We have a great panini recipe today.

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  5. Oh my gosh! These look so good. The packaging is adorable and I'm sure they were quite tasty. I'm now in the mood for some chocolate. Oh dear.

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  6. What an awesome idea and precious little gifts! Hope you have a Very Special Week End and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

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  7. I LOVE pretzels like this and a fun easy gift too

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  8. these baskets look fantastic and the goodies look delicious; what a great gift!

    i make the chocolate covered pretzel sticks too, and before i dip them in the melted chocolate i slice 1/2" pieces of caramel apple wraps (sold in a package in the produce section) and wrap the caramel around the pretzel. the combination of salt, caramel and chocolate is divine!

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