Caramels

Submitted by Sharlene~W

"These are very time consuming, but it is very satisfying to make as gifts at Christmas. I usually enlist the help of my kids to help watch the pot as it has to cook for a long time and requires constant attention. I also like to dip these in chocolate."

 

• Ready In: 2hrs 20mins
• Ingredients: 7
• Serves: 64

ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3⁄4 cup evaporated milk
• 1⁄2 ounce unsweetened chocolate
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla extract

directions

1. Lightly oil bottom and sides of large, heavy saucepan.
2. In pan, combine sugar, corn syrup, salt and 1 cup of the heavy cream.
3. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat stirring constantly.
4. As soon as it reaches boiling point, slowly stir in remaining 1 cup cream.
5. Continue to cook, stirring steadily until mixture reaches 232°F.
6. At this point, add the evaporated milk slowly enough that you don't stop the mixture from boiling.
7. Add chocolate and continue to cook and stir.
8. until temperature reaches 242°F.
9. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla (you can also stir in some chopped pecans or other nuts if you like).
10. Pour into ungreased (yes I said ungreased) 8-inch square pan.
11. Do not scrape bottom of pan--I usually end up having a bit at the bottom that I don't want mixed in with the rest.
12. Cool to room temperature and then stick the pan in the freezer for several hours.
13. After it has hardened up enough, you should be able to turn the pan over a piece of plastic wrap, whack the bottom and have the solid piece of caramel come out.
14. If it doesn't, it needs to get a bit harder in the freezer.
15. Let caramel come back to room temperature.
16. Peel off plastic wrap and cut into 1-inch pieces.
17. Wrap pieces in small squares of waxed paper.