You might be surprised to know what knitters can cook up. This time of year, we get some wonderful requests for knitting and our good friend Margaret asked if we could knit a few of Marie Mayhew’s darling nests for holiday gifts.

“YES!” was the reply and three of us immediately began knitting. If you want the cutest, easiest and most durable small gift, we’ve got it in the Woolly Nest Ornament kits from Marie.

When she came to visit, we were lucky to see a sample, and we have been nest crazy since.

The instructions say to place them on a cookie sheet to dry after felting. Doesn’t it look like a bakers dozen of the most fuzzy cookies around? We loved doing this project and are just a little bit sad to call Margaret and tell her that the nests are ready for 13 good homes. We’ll miss the little fellows.

BTW we are happy to share a yummy recipe from Marie that she so kindly sent to pass along to Wild Purls customers. Happy cookies, whatever kind you cook up this holiday season.

From Marie Mayhew…

QUEENS CARAMELS

1 cup butter
2-1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup light corn syrup
15 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp pure vanilla

Premeasure everything first. In a heavy 2 quart saucepan, melt butter. Add brown sugar, mixing well. Stirring constantly add corn syrup. Gradually stir in sweetened condensed milk. Continue stirring over medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes or until candy reaches 244 degrees on your candy thermometer. Remove from heat. Add vanilla and mix well.

Pour mixture into a well buttered 8 x8 pan Let cool, then remove from pan and cut into bite size pieces using a smooth edge butchers knife. Wrap in wax paper square, twisting ends.

Makes about 2 pounds.
These are the best caramels I’ve ever had, and my friends think so too!
Cheers-
Marie