Sweet Delights: Mastering the Art of Homemade Holiday Caramels
Every holiday season, amidst the hustle and bustle of festivities, there's one treat that my family eagerly awaits—my famous homemade caramels.
The legacy of these delectable treats began when my beloved nana showed me how to make them when I was just a child. Despite the occasional burn or two, the joy of seeing the smiles on my family's faces makes it all worthwhile. In this article, I'll share with you my cherished caramel recipe, sans the candy thermometer, as well as a step-by-step guide to recreating this delectable holiday gift.
Recipe: Homemade Holiday Caramels
Ingredients:
- - 2 cups granulated sugar
- - 1 cup unsalted butter
- - 1 cup light corn syrup
- - 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- - Pinch of salt
- - Optional: Sea salt for sprinkling on top
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pan:
Line a square baking pan (9x9 inches) with parchment paper or grease it with butter. Set it aside for later use.
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, light corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and a pinch of salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the butter melts and the mixture is well combined.
3. Cook the Mixture:
Once the mixture is combined, reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue to cook the caramel mixture, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The caramel will gradually darken in color and thicken as it cooks.
4. Test for Doneness:
Since you don't use a candy thermometer, you can rely on the cold water test to determine the caramel's readiness. Fill a small glass with cold water and drop a small amount of the caramel mixture into the water. If it forms a soft ball that holds its shape when rolled between your fingers, it is ready. If it dissolves or remains too soft, continue cooking for a few more minutes and test again.
5. Add Vanilla Extract:
Once the caramel reaches the desired consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract. Be cautious as the mixture may bubble and release steam.
6. Pour into the Pan:
Pour the hot caramel mixture into the prepared pan. Allow it to cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle sea salt on top if desired. Let it cool at room temperature for several hours or until completely set.
7. Cut and Wrap:
Once the caramel has cooled and set, remove it from the pan using the parchment paper or by gently loosening the edges with a butter knife. Place the caramel block on a cutting board and cut it into small, bite-sized squares or rectangles. Wrap each piece individually in wax paper or cellophane wrappers for gifting or storing.
The process of making homemade holiday caramels may be time-consuming, but the end result is undeniably worth it.
Despite the occasional kitchen mishap or burned hand, the joy of sharing these delicious treats with loved ones during the festive season makes it all the more special. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the time-honored tradition, and indulge in the delightful satisfaction of homemade holiday caramels.
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