Kids Craft: Making Caramel Pears
Great times we had in the kitchen this morning! I decided to make the caramel pears today as I mentioned in yesterday's post, and they turned out deliciously. I started to unwrap the caramels into a bowl, and the kids became very curious about the whole thing, so we turned it into a learning experience.
I was very impressed with the abilities of the kids and I think I underestimate them sometimes--
Isis had a really great time unwrapping the caramels (which was actually a huge help)
and Chloe wanted to stir the melted caramel and eat it.
Isis also did exceptionally well with coating the pear.
Many of you have emailed me asking me to post after I made them and to report how they tasted--I can honestly say that they tasted really good. Something to note though is that I think the best type of pear to use for this activity would be a Bartlett pear because it can stand up well to the creaminess and sweetness of caramel. We purchased and used Bosc pears, and they were also very good--sweet and soft, but the Bartlett pear is a bit more tart to give that desired tart sweet effect that most are looking for.
I'm posting the quick and easy version of the caramel pear recipe, and one where no stove top is needed so the kids can help with this activity. Of course, you can use apples as a substitute for the pears and it would be equally fun.
Caramel Pears
1 (14 oz) package of wrapped caramels
wooden sticks (usually they enclose some in caramel packages)
4 medium pears (Bartlett preferred)
2 TBSP water
Wash the pears and dry them THOROUGHLY (or the caramel won't stick).
Cut about an inch off the top of each pear, cutting off the stem and poke a wooden stick through the middle part of where you cut the tops off. Unwrap each caramel and place the whole batch in a deep glass or microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 3 minutes (or until smooth), stirring once or twice through the heating process.
Place each pear into the middle of the bowl, spooning the mixture over the pear until it is completely covered. Lift the pear from the bowl and gently scrape the excess caramel from the bottom of the pear. Set on waxed paper to dry and chill until set.
DELICIOUS!!
I was very impressed with the abilities of the kids and I think I underestimate them sometimes--
Isis had a really great time unwrapping the caramels (which was actually a huge help)
and Chloe wanted to stir the melted caramel and eat it.
Isis also did exceptionally well with coating the pear.Many of you have emailed me asking me to post after I made them and to report how they tasted--I can honestly say that they tasted really good. Something to note though is that I think the best type of pear to use for this activity would be a Bartlett pear because it can stand up well to the creaminess and sweetness of caramel. We purchased and used Bosc pears, and they were also very good--sweet and soft, but the Bartlett pear is a bit more tart to give that desired tart sweet effect that most are looking for.
I'm posting the quick and easy version of the caramel pear recipe, and one where no stove top is needed so the kids can help with this activity. Of course, you can use apples as a substitute for the pears and it would be equally fun.
Caramel Pears
1 (14 oz) package of wrapped caramels
wooden sticks (usually they enclose some in caramel packages)
4 medium pears (Bartlett preferred)
2 TBSP water
Wash the pears and dry them THOROUGHLY (or the caramel won't stick).
Cut about an inch off the top of each pear, cutting off the stem and poke a wooden stick through the middle part of where you cut the tops off. Unwrap each caramel and place the whole batch in a deep glass or microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 3 minutes (or until smooth), stirring once or twice through the heating process.
Place each pear into the middle of the bowl, spooning the mixture over the pear until it is completely covered. Lift the pear from the bowl and gently scrape the excess caramel from the bottom of the pear. Set on waxed paper to dry and chill until set.
DELICIOUS!!
8 comments:
Fun stuff and the kids look like they're having the best times doing this!
well done and if you didnt like pears you could use apples :)
I have never had caramel pears. They look GOOD!!
I want to try this - we don't have caramel squares liek you describe in Austrlia that I am aware or are they just candy caramels - do they set hard ?
Oh yum!! Those sound delicious. :p
Can I borrow Isis for opening the caramels. I always seem to eat more than I can get into a pot. I LOVE those things.
Thanks for sharing your results.
That looks like a fun thing to do as a family. I love caramel!
what a great practical opportunity to build so many skills for the kids! can't help it-just the ot in me :)
That sounds nice, and I may even like it better than the apples. Too much contrast between the sweet caramel and the tart apples for me, but the pears might mingle better for my liking!!
Jenn
Post a Comment