We also have a GREAT giveaway sponsored by Clorox so make sure you enter at the end!

Well, they ended up turning out great. Making them was super easy but also a little messy.  I don’t think you can make anything with melted chocolate without making a mess but I wasn’t worried about getting chocolate on anything because I knew that my  Clorox 2 could get it out.  I always know that I can bake and DIY with confidence thanks to Clorox 2® Stain Remover & Color Booster.

I was right about the mess.  My kitchen towels definitely took a hit.

But like I said, no worries because I know that Clorox 2 will make cleanup a breeze!  If you’re not sure how you would use Clorox 2, here’s a few tips!

• For best results, start the washer and add both detergent and product before adding clothes.
• For extra-dirty clothes, pre-soak the garments before starting in mixture of 1 cap-full of product (to the first line) and 2 gallons of water (the warmest water recommended on the care label). Pre-soak for 30 minutes.

And now….on to the recipe!

Items needed:

• Melting Chocolate – I used dark chocolate wafers that I purchased at my local gourmet kitchen store.
• Peter’s Caramel
• Ice Cube Trays
• Cooking Spray
• Craft brush
• Homemade Marshmallows

If you are wanting to turn these caramels into Scotchmallows as pictured, here is the recipe for Homemade Marshmallows

Slightly spray your ice cube trays with cooking spray. Don’t spray a lot as it will make it harder for the chocolate to stick to the sides of the ice cube tray.

Melt chocolate per your package instructions.  I just put my chocolate wafers into a glass bowl and microwave until it is smooth without any lumps.  Make sure you watch the melting process and don’t cook too long.

Spoon 1/2 Tablespoon of melted chocolate into each section of the ice cube tray.

With your craft brush, brush the melted chocolate on all sides of each section of the tray.

Put the ice cube tray into the refrigerator for 1-2 minutes or until the sides are fairly dry but the middle of each section still has melted chocolate in it.

Take the brush and coat all sides of each section again with a second coat of melted chocolate. You want to make sure that your sides aren’t too thin and have a good coat of chocolate.

Let set. After the chocolate has set, cut the Peter’s Caramel into rectangles and fit them into each section of the ice cube tray.

IMPORTANT! If you are wanting to make these into Scotchmallows, cut your Homemade Marshmallows to fit and insert them into the ice cube tray before you add your caramel.

If your dipping chocolate has hardened, re-melt by putting it back into the microwave again. Re-melt as needed while using.

After caramels have been placed, spoon about another 1/2 Tablespoon of melted chocolate on top of each section until the caramel has been covered and the top is flat.

Put into refrigerator for about 2-3 minutes to set.

After the chocolate has set, gently twist the ice cube tray as you would if there were ice cubes in there and gently pop out each candy.  If the bottoms of your candy are a little jagged, take a thin paring knife and shave off any bumps.

And there you have it!  My candies turned out great and my towels are beautifully clean!  Definitely a win-win!

If you have “pinned” projects that you are hesitant about creating because of maybe making a mess,  then I say to create away and leave the mess to Clorox 2.  Removing tough stains and brightening colors is easier with Clorox 2®. Use it to pre-treat set-in stains you thought would be there forever – even ones that have been through the dryer! For tips on how to get more out of life and laundry, visit https://www.clorox.com.

And now for our giveaway.  Enter below for a chance to win Clorox 2 Stain Remover & Color Booster Liquid, a Clorox 2 Pre-Treat Stain Remover Pen AND a $200 Michael’s gift card for YOUR next DIY project!  Giveaway ends Nov 7, 2016.  There will only be ONE winner. Winner must be 18 years or older.
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I am participating in a VIN campaign for Clorox® . I am receiving a fee for posting; however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own. I am in no way affiliated with Clorox® and do not earn a commission or percent of sales.

Now you are more than likely going to have some caramel left over so here are two recipes that can help you use it up. 

Take a look at these!

Twix Cookies

Apple Pie Caramel Apples

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The post Ice Cube Tray Chocolate Caramels and a Clorox Giveaway! appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

If your favorite candy bar is a Twix then you are going to love these shortbread TWIX Cookies! 

About me, I pretty much love any candy bar that has caramel in it. I would have to say that my all-time favorite is a Milky Way but a Twix candy bar runs a close second. There is a cookie shop near me that sells them occasionally and my son checks their site religiously to see when they will be available again. Since everyone in my family likes them, I decided I should start making them at home.

 So if you and your grandkids like caramel too, you are going to love these cookies.

If you would probably want a crowd-treating experience, try them too because you will be amazed!

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Mouth-Watering Twix Cookies

The cookies start off with a buttery, flaky shortbread base. Then, topped with caramel, and finished with chocolate. I need to warn you that they are very rich cookies. In addition, the caramel base gives them the perfect chewy center. So make sure you have some nice, cold milk on hand!

Each layer is easy to make. The only time-consuming part is spreading the chocolate and caramel on each cookie. But it is absolutely worth it when you end up with a batch of delicious Twix cookies. Perfection!

Delicious Cookie Experience For The Whole Family

Do you make a recipe and end become impatient before it is finished because you can’t wait to eat it? That is how these Twix cookies were for me. The kids and husband ended up loving them just like me! A chocolaty cookie that you will love over and over again.

I have been a Twix cookie fan for many, many years. In fact, if I had to pick my favorite cookie, it would be a Twix cookie. I like Twix cookies so much that sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and sneak to the kitchen just to grab a few!

Although these cookies look super decadent, they are easier to make than you think.  You can easily use the Kraft wrapped caramels but my favorite caramel of all time is Peter’s Caramel. I get mine at a local cooking store called Gygi’s. It is a large block of caramel but then you will have plenty left over to make these super yummy Apple Pie Caramel Apples!

So treat your caramel-loving self and your family to some of these TWIX Cookies. You will love them!

What You Need For A Crazy Tasty Twix Cookie Recipe

Twix cookies are the perfect combination of caramel, milk chocolate, and a buttery, crunchy cookie center. And now, you can actually make a cookie that tastes exactly like the bar. That’s right. Next time your grandkids get a craving for Twix, you won’t have to rush out to the gas station in the middle of the night. Just reach for those homemade cookies. They’ll satisfy their craving for that caramel, chocolate cookie crunch.

They are the perfect treat to satisfy your caramel dessert cravings. These homemade Twix bars are easy to make, the ingredient mix gives cookies with perfect balance, they’re not too sweet and the caramel base gives them the perfect chewy center. The chocolate layer is a nice addition to them and is what gives them the richness and boldness you love in chocolate. 

This is such an easy snack to prepare for your grandkids.  Don’t you think?  

Print

Twix Cookies

Course Dessert

Author Made From Pinterest

Ingredients

• 1½ cups softened butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 15 oz caramel **See notes
• 2 cups milk choc chips
• 2 tsp shortening

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Cream butter and sugar together. Add your vanilla, flour and salt. Mix well.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out to ½ inch thick.
• To cut cookies you can use a biscuit cutter or I just used a small glass that was 2 inches wide.
• Place round cookies on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
• Bake at 350 for 14-16 minutes.
• Let cookies cool.
• Melt caramel and spread the caramel over the cooled cookies.
• Let caramel cool completely.
• Add your shortening into the chocolate chips and melt in the microwave. Use a microwave safe bowl and watch so that the chocolate does not burn.
• Spread melted chocolate over cooled caramel.
• Let chocolate set before serving.
• Do not put in the refrigerator as it will discolor the chocolate.

Notes

I use Peter's caramel which comes in a 5 lb block. You can just cut off what you need, melt it and it's ready to go. If you use the Kraft caramels, follow the instructions on the bag for melting.

Shortbread recipe adapted by Food Network and Chef In Training

You will need these items for this recipe!

Items You Will Need For A Yummy Twix Cookie Recipe

Cookie:

• 1 1⁄2cups softened butter
•  1 cup sugar 
•  3 1⁄2 cups flour 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla  
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt 
• 2 teaspoon shortening

Caramel Layer:

• 15 Oz caramel

Chocolate Layer:

• 2 cups milk choc chips

How To Prepare Tasty Twix Cookies

This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, has a short preparation time, and makes delicious golden brown cookies that you can serve on any occasion. You can mix the dough by hand or with a stand mixer, but be sure to put the splash guard on to avoid getting messy.

Follow these simple but doable steps for a mouth-watering Twix cookie dessert!

1. Turn on your oven and preheat it to 350 degrees.
2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or non-stick silicone baking sheets. I really prefer using the silicone ones because cookies pop off easily, and you can wash and reuse them over and over again.
3. Cream butter and sugar together. Then, add your vanilla, flour, and salt and mix well.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1⁄2 inch thick. The dough will be a bit sticky, so put it between two sheets of parchment paper to keep it smooth without getting it all over the counter.
5. Use a biscuit cutter or a small glass (2 inches wide) to cut cookies. Roll the dough as needed. Be sure to get a set of good circular cutters.
6. Place the round cookies on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
7. Bake at 350 for 14-16 minutes, until lightly golden brown. Do not overbake these cookies or they will end up dry. It is important to note that larger cookies will take more time, and smaller ones will take less.

8. Let cookies cool.

9. Melt caramel for 10-15 seconds, then stir. Repeat until you get the right consistency. Then, spread the caramel over the cooled cookies. When you scoop and pour the caramel, it should create a ribbon.
10. Let caramel cool completely.
11. Add your shortening into the chocolate chips and melt them in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe bowl and watch it, so that the chocolate doesn’t burn. If you desire a shiny chocolate result, use chopped chocolate. 
12. Spread melted chocolate ( make sure it has no lumps) over the cooled caramel. I like using a clean butter knife to do it. Make sure it is not too close to the edge of the cookie. 
13. Let the chocolate set before serving.
14. Do not put it in the refrigerator, as cold will discolor the chocolate. Store the Twix cookies in an airtight container. Make sure the container has no moist in it, or else the chocolate will seize, and you will have to start over. I’d also recommend you keeping the cookies in a single layer to prevent them from sticking to each other.

Why Twix Cookies, You Ask?

These cookies are amazing and should be savored for an afternoon snack or evening treat. You can serve them with a cup of tea or a glass of milk. I am sure they will taste like a Twix Bar but in cookie form. Pure caramel chocolate heaven.

You might be wondering what’s so fantastic about these Twix Cookies. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love them. 

• The Twix flavor is front and center.
• They are perfect hostess gifts and plenty to go around.
• A great project to make with your grandkids. Spreading the chocolate and caramel is a great job for the little ones.
• Rich in chocolate and full of caramel. The contrasting textures and tastes of the gooey caramel and soft chocolate are the perfect combination and the only way to describe them is, “Scrumptious”
• Foolproof, easy-to-follow recipe.
• Perfect for the holiday season, birthdays, or just a fun weekend treat as well.
• The flavors are amazing.
• They are worth it, even if you hate baking cookies. 

Some Expert Tips For You

1. Dark and White chocolate can also be used in place of the Milk chocolate chips and are just as delicious. A marbled mixture of both white and dark chocolate will definitely give the cookies a special and extra appearance altogether.
2. If you choose to use plain flour, the shortbread bases will not rise and so they will be as thin or thick as you roll the dough out to be.

The cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for about four to five days and you can certainly freeze them. Just cool the cookies completely and tightly wrap them in plastic wrap. Then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to two to three months. Defrost before serving and use your favorite chocolate topping. 

I close my case and the jury is unanimous – these are incredible! And yes, the hardest part is not sneaking bites of the cookie dough before it is completely set.

Oh! Do you know you can also have homemade caramel?

There are few ways to make caramel at home. One is by boiling sweetened condensed milk for three hours or simmering brown sugar, corn syrup, and evaporated milk until it gets thicker and forms a caramel. Also, ensure it holds its shape and does not runoff.

More Flavors Just For You!

You may consider trying out these Twix cookie flavors:

1. Fudge
2. Coffee
3. Mint
4. Orange
5. Dark chocolate
6. White Chocolate

Gluten-free and Vegan Twix cookies

If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative to these Twix Cookies, here’s a recipe to help with that. 

Ingredients:

1. 1⁄2 tablespoon dairy-free milk
2. 1⁄8 cup Maple syrup
3. 1⁄2 cup vegan butter
4. 1⁄2 cup chocolate chips vegan
5. 1 1⁄8 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
6. 1 dash salt
7. 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla
8. 1⁄2 teaspoon refined coconut oil
9. 1⁄4 cup powdered sugar.

There’s no need to feel guilty about putting all these are ingredients in your body. I love that you can serve them to just about anyone. Just make sure to save some for yourself!

Are You Craving More Goodies?  Check These Out, Thank Me Later!

• Mini Apple Pie Cookies
• Rockin’ Raspberry Bread Pudding
• Two-Two Easy Peach Cobbler
• Snowball Cookies Recipe
• Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

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40 hours, 2,400 miles, 7 stops for fast food, 5 stops for gas, and 4 sore tushies = one crazy road trip that was totally worth it. Why would anyone do such a thing? Love. Isn’t it one of the most powerful motivators? Our family felt so blessed to witness the marriage of my niece to her sweetheart just a few days ago. There were so many good things about the trip. But the best was time celebrating with family. Because we love the whole crazy bunch and can never get enough time with them, even if the competition for the bathroom can get kind of fierce. One of our favorite ways to celebrate love in our family is our annual Candlelight Valentine’s Dinner. While the dinner menu changes from year to year (this year we are having Restaurant Steak), the dessert menu is set. Our favorite recipe for Chocolate Caramel Fondue is so easy the kids can do it, needs no special equipment, and will make your heart sing love songs. You can bake it in the oven, or microwave it. All you need is an ovenproof bowl, chocolate chips, caramel candies, evaporated milk and a dash of vanilla. We make ours in our favorite ugly stoneware bowl. We like it because it keeps the fondue warm, but you can always cover a heating pad with  tea towel and set it under your fondue bowl to keep it warm. You can even use a pretty bowl if you want to. Honestly, the fondue cooling off is not a big concern, because you are going to eat it all before it gets the chance to cool! Our favorite dippers are pretzels, strawberries, marshmallows, pound cake, bananas, apples and pineapples. Brownie chunks and little bites of cheesecake are pretty good too. So choose your dippers, and invite your loved ones to share a special Chocolate Caramel Fondue treat with you this Valentine’s Day. Because sharing love and chocolate makes for sweet memories!

This Fondue Rocks!

Print

Easy Chocolate Caramel Fondue

Author Adapted by Made From Pinterest from Pampered Chef's Kids in the Kitchen Cookbook

Ingredients

• 1 package 14 oz. caramels (about 50)
• 1 can 5 oz. evaporated milk - (This is the LITTLE can. 5 ounce, not 12.)
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels Do not use milk chocolate. It does not melt properly in this recipe
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

• Unwrap caramels and combine with remaining ingredients. Bake at 350° for half an hour. Mix together until mostly smooth. There will be some small yummy bits of caramel that do not melt all the way. Do not worry, these are very tasty.
• Microwave directions: Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Stir. Continue microwaving and stirring in 30 second intervals until melted.

We are happy to link this post to these great blogs: Lamberts Lately  – Living Well, Spending Less – Live, Laugh, Rowe – 52 Mantels – A Glimpse Inside – What’s Cooking Love – Live Love Create

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