Watching Hercules counts as a mythology lesson for kids, right? So I’m good with just calling that homeschool for the day?
But wait! I actually found this Hercules study guide to follow up our film fest with some brain stimulating Greek culture activities. The study guide is from some school in Britain and must be from a long time ago, because it references CD-ROMs and other ancient practices, like “going to the library to do research.” Ha! Who needs libraries when you have the internet? Everything you read on the internet is truthful, high quality content. Also, going to the library will get you corona’d these days, so we’re staying dumber in the name of health, thankyouverymuch.
Making the kids do the study guide after watching Hercules was my plan when I turned on the movie. That was like 3 days ago. Yesterday I saw a meme that said “I’m homeschooling like that substitute teacher who rolls in the TV for a movie and eats snacks in the back of the class.” Yep, that’s me!!
At least I’m eating well in the back of the class. Brownies all day! Have you been able to find all the flour you need?? It seems like things are calming down as far as hoarding goes. At least here in Sacramento everything is back in stock, most days.
If you have all the baking basics you can totally make these brownies during your corona quarantine! Who needs edumacation when you’ve got brownies and Disney movies!
Salted Caramel Brownies ftw
These Salted Caramel Brownies are basically my version of dessert heaven. Brownies are always my go to when I need a quick chocolate fix, and adding a thick gooey layer of salted caramel just takes it over the top. I’m usually not a nuts-in-brownies person, but I love topping these salted caramel brownies with toasted pecans. It provides just the right crunchy relief in each decadent, caramely bite.
Have you ever made your own caramel? It is really easy, as long as you follow the instructions carefully. This caramel:
is silky smooth. has a deep dark caramel flavor (it’s not too sweet) does not stick in your teeth (it literally melts in your mouth)
So basically it’s a real-caramel-lover’s dream. This caramel is soft enough that when you slice the brownies, the caramel will slowly spill over the edge.
How to Make Salted Caramel Brownies
First we start by making some super fudgy brownies. I based this recipe on my go-to Best Brownie Recipe I Have Ever Made. They are fudgy, thick, and ultra-chocolatey. They are made in one pot on the stovetop. After the brownies have cooled, it’s time to make the caramel. In a heavy bottomed pot, add water and sugar and a little cream of tartar. The cream of tartar is an acid and is added to prevent the sugar from getting back together and crystalizing.
Here are photos of the caramelization process. It takes several minutes of boring clear syrupy liquid boiling to get to the fun part when it starts caramelizing and turning amber, but don’t walk away! It goes from caramel to burned pretty quick.
This photo on the right is the final color that you’re looking for. But don’t worry, I’m not going to make you be the decider on when you’ve reached “amber color.” (I mean, we’ve got to come up with a better comparison, when was the last time you saw amber in real life??) You are looking for wisps of smoke coming off the caramel. Once you see it, that’s when it’s done. Works every time.
Carefully add the butter, then the cream. Don’t splash yourself. This stuff is hotter than boiling water, basically it’s caramel lava, so be careful.
On the left you can see the caramel right after it’s finished. On the right is how much it has thickened after about 30 minutes.
Then pour it over the top of your beautiful brownies.
Then top with a handful of toasted pecans. And voila! Dig in! These brownies are so incredibly rich you will need to cut them in smaller slices then normal. I mean, maybe. If you are not chocolate-caramel obsessed like me!
More brownie and caramel recipes you are going to love!
Nana’s Famous Fudge Brownies « a family classic! The fudge frosting is to-die-for. Absolutely the Best Brownie Recipe I Have Ever Made « the best stand-alone brownies. Ever. Nutella Stuffed Browned Butter Blondies « a top recipe on my site! Fudgy Mint Chocolate Brownies « this is my other favorite way to jazz up brownies. So good! Mississippi Mud Cake « technically not a brownie, but it’s so fudgy it tastes like it! Marshmallow frosting ftw. Caramel Cake with Caramel Icing Recipe « like a classic Southern caramel cake but way easier. Caramely Almond Butter Bars « long live Rolos. These are super easy! The Best Healthy Brownies from The Recipe Rebel Fudgy Cookies and Cream Brownies from Life Love and Sugar Cheesecake Brownies from I Heart Naptime Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies from Handle the Heat
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