Courtesy photo A local business owner makes packages of candies and candles for people across the United States. Claudia Steed doesn't have to use a thermometer to tell that her peanut brittle is finished.

All Steed needs is her eyes and her nose. She can tell if the brittle is finished from its color and fragrance.

"It can drive me about mad," Steed said. "A batch can be a little bit orange and I know it is off."

Steed owns a Bullard small business that specializes in care packages she makes with homemade peanut brittle, English tof- fee, vintage fudge and candles. Steed has state permits to provide and package candies, cakes and cookies. She works from a professional kitchen on her property, but her business is run like a mom-and-pop, small business.

Each package and labels she creates, she says she does to hopefully bring the joy that cooking has brought her in her life.

When Steed was four years old, she lived in southern Wales with her grandmother. Everyday the two would wake up and cook breakfast. Shortly after, they would walk down a mountain side to the village market and pick out the days food.

Courtesy photo Claudia Steed makes peanut brittle, which can be bought at local Bullard stores, like Remember When and the Texas Book Discount Books. Then Steed and her grandmother would go back to their home and cook a large lunch. Later in the day they would have tea and cake.

"She has the strongest influence for old-fashion love of making something with my hands," she said. "Hopefully what I do will let them slow down and bring them to the past for a bit."

Steed's father-in-law taught her how to make peanut brittle by its color, texture and fragrance. He doesn't use a thermometer.

Steed also makes oatmeal raisin walnut cookies, cakes and candles with fragrance.

She doesn't makes everything in the gift baskets. She bus chocolate covered sunflower seeds, and other items to compliment the candies she makes.

If you would like to order, call, (903) 316 1067 or (903) 566 4172. To but candies already packaged, go to Remember When on Main Street or the Texas Book store.