Doorbell Ditching

This week Autumn is in all it's full glory. The sky is so blue, with the yellows of the aspens and cottonwood. Some day I will have a dress the color of that sky.

With Autumn starts my thinking of Christmas and all the preparations that begin. I start my Holiday cooking with this Caramel Popcorn. Yes, I Double this recipe in order to do Doorbell Ditchings.

You don't know Doorbell ditchings? - Let me educate you.

This an activity our Family does near the middle of November.

To Prepare, make the Caramel Popcorn and then make sure you have enough Bags for all those you love and want to surprise.

Find a free Family Home Evening and organize. Make sure everyone in the family selects a family to Doorbell Ditch - This activity needs to be done in the dark. Dad will drive the whole family in the car to the ditch-ie's home (at least 3 house away) when he stops the car's engine. All pile out and scope out the house - are there dogs? motion sensor lights? Then pick your spot to hide after approaching the door. Then select a doorbell ringer - this is the person who suggested the Family to drop the treat on.

Place the Bag of Popcorn on the doorstep - Press the doorbell

THEN RUN --- AND HIDE

Great memories can only be made this way ---- But, now it is only Dad and I - who will we Ditch? Act surprise if we chose your house.

CARAMEL POPCORN

1/2 C. Butter
1 C. Brown Sugar
1/2 C. Light corn syrup
1/2 15-ounce can sweetened condensed milk -(2/3 c.)
1/2 Tsp. Vanilla
5 Quarts Popped Corn - removing as many old maids as possible

In a saucepan, combine butter, sugar and corn syrup. Stir well and bring to boiling over medium heat. Stir in condensed milk; simmer, stirring constantly, till mixture comes to soft ball stage (234 to 238 degrees) Remove from heat.

Stir in vanilla.

Pour over popcorn and stir to coat. Spread out on Buttered wax paper, when cooled – put in Ziplock type bags. Will keep through the Christmas season, or you can make popcorn balls -- But, they get to tough for me.

Happy Ditching -