Texas Jack's Famous Caramels Secret Recipe Book

Making caramel is all about the technique. The recipe's ingredients affect how you make the caramel as well. "Texas Jack's Famous Caramels Secret Recipe Book" got it right--the "recipes" are step-by-step walk-throughs for preparing different types of caramel. The book tells you what equipment you'll need, both for general caramel-making and for specific recipes. It also provides guidance for the beginners. Quote:"The first thing you need is patience. Making caramel may seem like a difficult task, but it is an "Art Form" that requires patience and timing. There is no such thing as making a mistake in making caramels, only lessons learn. So, don't be afraid to try out some new ideas. The second thing you need that is a "must have" is a Candy Thermometer. Without a candy thermometer, you might as well cook in the dark."And so on, and so forth, down to what sort of saucepans, linings, and pans you'll need. "Texas Jack's Famous Caramels Secret Recipe Book" is good even for a beginner candy maker. For the seasoned caramel aficionados, these recipes, both traditional and unique, are a treat. The "Old School" recipes, favorite of Dennis Waller by his own admission, are very good for practicing the technique of caramel-making. His lovely daughter, who was helping him with this project, prefers the "fancier" recipes. Among those, "Grandma Stella's Caramel" and "Wild Turkey with Honey Caramel" caught my attention especially."Texas Jack's Famous Caramels Secret Recipe Book" is the second book in the "Texas Jack's Secret Recipe" books. Just like the first one, "Texas Jack's Famous Pralines Secret Recipe Book," this recipe book, and the actual caramels, became a "Breakthrough Hit" on Kickstarter."Texas Jack's" brand of Texan-style tasty treats is spreading fast through the country via the grass-root's movement, from one person with a sweet tooth to another and then the next. Even "sugar-free" Californians such as myself get hooked on it, and that is saying a lot.In the interests of full disclosure, I would like to mention that I was one of the backers of this project on Kickstarter. If any of the fellow backers happen to read this review, please say "Hi," I'd mighty appreciate it.

A great recipe book for anyone who wants to impress their family, friends, co-workers (or themselves!) with delicious desserts. There's a lot to like about it. Here are my five reasons for giving it five stars:1) An excellent introduction to the whole process of cooking caramel for those who are new to this delicious endeavor. Dennis Waller describes all the necessary equipment and provides helpful tips in his easy-to-read and easy-to-follow introduction.2) All recipes follow the same format - and that's excellent because it helps those of us who have not done much with caramel before figure out what the main steps are in ALL caramel recipes. The same format makes these recipes easy to follow, thus, there's less likelihood of messing up.3) I love the idea of adding some variety to the recipes, and Dennis Waller provides suggestions and options of what to change and how to change it. Love the idea of using spiced rum and Kahlua instead of vanilla! I'll just have to make sure I don't test-taste too much of either while cooking.4) An excellent variety of recipes for different occasions, from more traditional to experimental. Pumpkin Spice Caramel (and its Apple Spice version) and Spiced Pumpkin Fudge sound perfect for fall celebrations. Pecan Praline Caramel and Grandma Stella's Caramel would be great for the holiday season. The ones I'd like to try first are Spicy Chocolate Caramel made with Cayenne and Paprika peppers, Amaretto Almond Caramel, Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Caramel, and Chocolate Mint Fudge.5) Pecan Pralines made with dried fruit deserve their own star! Who wouldn't want to have dried mango, papaya, dates, shredded coconut, or pineapple in their dessert. That will make it healthy, too. The five food groups, lots of fruit, and all that, right?

Ever since a neighbor made caramels when I was a child I have been fascinated by them. Homemade are very good and different. This book is full of some great sounding flavors and does not sound that difficult to make. I think I just found my Christmas gifts for this year!

Absolutely delectable recipes. In the past, I tried countless times to make caramel recipes, only to have a runny consistency or burn the pan. These recipes give very specific instructions so that I finally had success making it myself. The key is following the candy thermometer temperatures exactly, which each recipe includes. The author also gives great tips about how to cook caramels which helps to perfect the process. The Pecan Praline Caramel recipe is to die for. I look forward to trying more recipes and giving them as gifts over the holidays.

The education on cooking caramel was really helpful. Just jumping into the recipes could be a mess if you don't know what you're doing - which I didn't. Luckily the short tutorial gave me all the info I needed to make a scrumptious batch of chocolate caramels!! The salted caramels are also delicious, and both have been packed up in little tins for Christmas gifts for our neighbors (with a few stashed away for me).

I just love caramel. I love it in just about anything. Now that I have some recipes to make my own I'm in heaven.

Enough caramel variations to satisfy the sweetest tooth. Very easy to follow instructions that give excellent results! Thanks, Texas Jack!

I am a beginner candy maker and I thought this would be very easy. However, I made a lot of mistakes and got frustrated. I wouldn't say it would be hard for someone with more patience.

I wanted to try making some caramels for Halloween and came across this book. The book is easy to follow and takes you through the whole process from what equipment you need to step by step instructions for each delicious recipe. The author has an easy going style that makes you feel you are being gently guided by an old friend.The book includes about 20 different recipes from Lickety Split Chocolate Fudge to Bacon Maple caramel, there is something for everyone and I can see many of these becoming firm favourites for both holidays and everyday.At the end of the book is a run down of Texas Jack and where the name came from which I found very interesting.

Only one issue ...no photographs.....pictures make a book more presentable, beautiful and interesting.