Caramels

I've been making these at Christmas time for years. My family demands them and they are wonderful gifts, much appreciated by all my co-workers. They are firm, but melt in your mouth and don't stick to your teeth. They are somewhat time consuming but worth it. I buy the red and green wrappers or you can cut up and use regular wax paper.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Yields: 5 lbs

Ingredients

• 1  lb butter
• 1 (2 lb) bag light brown sugar
• 1 (16 ounce) bottle light corn syrup
• 2 (14 ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 2  teaspoons vanilla

Directions

1. Melt butter in a large, heavy saucepan (dutch oven).
2. Add brown sugar and salt.
3. Stir in corn syrup, mixing well.
4. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly. Cook and stir over medium heat until firm ball stage - 245 degrees on a candy thermometer.
5. Remove from heat and add vanilla.
6. Pour into a well-buttered jelly roll pan. Cool 4-5 hours.
7. Remove from pan, cut and wrap. Makes about 5 lbs.