The following “CHEW THIS!” column originally appeared a in “The Courier-Times” and / or “The Shelbyville News” as well as other publications. Check their websites for further information or write to me for more details as to where this can be viewed.
Pat Bogue’s Famous Caramels
My dear “foodie” friend, Pat Bogue passed away recently and I knew that I had to dedicate a special column to her. We first got to know each other through Facebook. She was one of my first and original taste testers as well as recipe testers. We were always writing to each other about food and recipes. I was so excited when she agreed to be in one of my cookbooks! She told me she would give me a recipe for her caramels that she would make in the microwave. When that recipe and my cookbook went to press, still to this day, that is one of the books most popular recipes. The recipe I am sharing here today is her “original” stovetop version. People from far and wide know Pat for a variety of things. Her kind heart and warming personality are just a couple of the things she is known for. She loved her family and for that, I loved her. Family was so important to her as well as her friends. It is difficult for me to type this because I still can not believe she is no longer with us. She is, however, celebrating with her husband, Wayne, who had already passed away. She is also, I am for sure, celebrating with all of her other family and friends who she had to watch pass on to the other side. I bet they are playing games, cooking and sharing recipes.
My friend, Cindy Shelton, comes to mind when I think of Pat. Cindy passed several years ago and her and Pat also had quite the friendship. They were always teasing me about how much food I would cook and eat and how much time I spent posting and talking about it. “Leave him alone! He is a growing boy!” Pat would often say. Cindy would often follow that with, “Oh, he’s growing all right!” We would laugh and laugh. I can still picture Cindy and myself laughing about that. Pat was also known for her crafts. She made some of the most stunning Santa figures and purses that you ever did see! She was a woman of many talents that is for sure and she was also a woman loved by many. Thank you Pat for your long years of friendship and love to me and to others. You are an inspiration on how to live and enjoy life. I will forever make these in your honor. May you Rest In Peace.
Pat Bogue’s Famous Caramels
Run a stick of butter over a 9×13-inch pan. In a heavy saucepan, melt 2 sticks of butter, one box of brown sugar, 1 cup light Karo and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well. Add one can Eagle Brand milk. Stir constantly until 245 degrees. Remove from heat and add 1 teaspoon vanilla. Stir and pour into buttered pan. Cool. Cut to the size you want and wrap in waxed paper. I cut mine small and get 120-130 pieces. We like them bite size the best.
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