Culinary Adventures with Camilla

This is a sponsored post written on behalf of Beefy Boys Jerky . All opinions are my own. When I saw Beefy Boys Jerky's listing on the Local Harvest website, I was excited: local beef jerky. Yes!  Then, it turns out I know one of the guys involved in the business. Even better. I love supporting local. But I love supporting friends' businesses even more. So, I asked if I could taste the products and he gave me a nice sampling. After just a few bites, the Precise Kitchen Elf was convinced that he wanted to give bags of jerky to his teachers as part of their holiday baskets...along with a note thanking them for "beefing up his education." So, I placed an order almost immediately. And I did get the green light to share this SECRET LOCALS' ONLY deal with you... If you buy 24 bags, they have a deal for $150.00 including local delivery.  (That works out to $6.25/bag)  Get the special by calling 888-669-2010,  Mon-Fri 9am-5pm PST. You get to pick ...

I can make caramels. I am pretty darn good at making caramel sauce. That process I have perfected; maybe it's because it doesn't require a candy thermometer. But making caramel candies - wrapped in wax paper - that are a uniform size and the perfect texture...I'm not as good at that. Thankfully a foodie friend of mine suggested I go to the caramel tasting for a local business called Bread & Butter Caramels. The owner was unveiling her 2016 flavors. Though I never ever go out on Black Friday, I am happy to support Small Business Saturday. The Enthusiastic Kitchen Elf and I waited for a lull in the rain before heading out with shopping bags and an adventurous spirit. We walked into the hosting store and I recognized the business owner and confectioner behind Bread & Butter Caramels. Lauren Palminteri. Turns out that years and years ago, she took a summer school class I taught. She was in high school and I am pretty sure that was the first year that I taugh...