Review: "You ain't born knowing this stuff"
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 29, 2013
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.