If you’re into making your own holiday gifts this year, I can’t think of an easier or more delicious way to celebrate your love and appreciation than a plate of Salted Caramel Covered Strawberries! These are crazy simple to make — I use the caramel candies that you can purchase (the same ones you’d use for caramel covered apples). If peanuts aren’t your thing, try pistachios or almond slivers. By the way this also is a great chance to show off the kind of treats your Thermador microwave can produce…

(Recipe from Southern Living Farmers Market)
–10 large fresh strawberries
–20 caramels
–1 1/2 tablespoons whipping cream
–1/4 teaspoon sea salt
–1 cup coarsely chopped mixed nuts (peanuts and almond slivers)
–Wax paper

1. Soak strawberries in a ice bath for 5 minutes to restore their perky leaves.

2. Pat strawberries completely dry with paper towels.

3. Microwave caramels, whipping cream, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl on medium (50-percent power) for 2 minutes or until smooth, stirring at 1-minute intervals.

4. Dip each strawberry halfway into caramel mixture. Roll in nuts, and place on lightly greased wax paper. Let stand 15 minutes. Serve immediately, or cover and chill up to 8 hours.