Monday, December 22, 2008

Homemade Caramels - A Wonderful Treat!

Ahhh heck, why not post another SWEET treat to make!? In the last minute flurry of putting together gifties for everyone, why not don your apron and whip out your pot and candy thermometer!? You won't be sorry - trust me! I keep telling myself, as I give a little pinch to my "muffin top" waist, no more cookies, cake or candies! But hey, I will be the FIRST to admit that I love indulging with the season's finest sweet treats and will search that See's candy box for that Bordeaux with my name written all over it. Give this little recipe a whirl and hopefully there will be enough left of these tender bites to give out. I also want to thank Sharon at Red Geranium Cottage for sharing this recipe last year! It is the bomb!

Homemade Caramels

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup butter

2 cups heavy whipping cream

3/4 cup light corn syrup

Waxed paper


Butter the bottom and sides of a glass 8 inch square (2 quart) baking dish. Note: I used a rectangular Pyrex dish that was a bit larger and it worked.


In a heavy 3 quart saucepan, heat all ingredients to boiling over medium heat and stir constantly. It will take a bit of time for the mixture to come to boil but don't walk away - keep stirring. Now when it comes to a rolling boil, boil for 35 minutes - and it is spot on with the time. Stir frequently when it reaches the rolling boil. When the candy thermometer reaches 245 degrees F immediately spread the caramel mixture into your buttered dish. Cool completely - about 2 hours. I cover my caramel with plastic wrap and put in the fridge overnight to harden. Before cutting, let it sit out in your kitchen for an hour to soften up enough to cut nicely. Cut into 1 inch squares and wrap individually with wax paper.


For gifts, simply add the caramels into a sweet container and maybe tie on some ornaments with a little ribbon.
I found these pitchers at Marshall's for 2.99 this year. They are super cute to give filled with all sorts of goodies.
Now get busy!!!


xoxoxoxo



15 comments:

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

Oh, how fabulous! Did you want my address so you could send the caramels? LOL!

I always find such inspiration at your blog and always enjoy my visits!

Cowboys and Custard Mercantile said...

My head says.. Yes yes yes..please.. but my teeth say..Oh no!!!
I am rather partial to caramels and toffees but they are a delicacy I can ill afford unless I want a full set of dentures... I shall just dream of caramels instead.
Love those glittery acorns.. but fear they might not do my teeth any good either!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas dear Becky with much good cheer .. and here's to more friendship in the coming year!

Much love from me and Nurse Florence ..oh and Mr Pickles XX

the wild raspberry said...

What a SWEET gift idea. Marshall's just might be added to my list for last minute shopping that I'm doing tonight. Yikes!

Miss Jean said...

I've been baking today, too! I'll do a post so you can make Sweety's Grandma's sugared walnuts. Save me a caramel.....

Maria Catalina Wiley said...

Becky,
I wish you & your family a very Merry Christmas & a wonderful 2009!
love
Maria

Unknown said...

MMMMMM these make my mouth water!
They seem simple enough... I wonder if I still have time????

Thanks for your recipe!

~Liz

Jean said...

Becky, where do you get your energy? They look so good and so pretty in the little pitchers. Have a great evening.
Jean in Virginia

Skoots1moM said...

OOOOHHHH, I want to make these...thanks for the recipe!

Rebecca said...

OMGoodness! Caramels are my very favorite! Thanks for sharing the recipe, and what a sweet little pitcher to put them in!

Just wanted to take this time to wish you and your precious family a very Merry Christmas!

Hugs and Blessings,
Rebecca

Kathleen Grace said...

These look yummy! That picher is so cute and only $2.99? Why doesn't my Marshalls have such cute stuff?

Debra Howard said...

OH, what a sweet treat your blog is. It was like revisiting my childhood. I just love it. Dughall & Socks are so sweet too. I have so enjoyed my visit here & thank you for your kind comments at my blog. I will definitely be back to visit.
Debbie

Anonymous said...

I'm with you Becky, I am enjoying the sweets of the season....back to fruit and veggies in January!!

Merry Christmas to you and your family!!

Hugs,
LeAnn:)

Anonymous said...

I have looked for a reliable caramel recipe!

Jerri at Simply Sweet Home said...

Great gift idea. I love the little bags.

Red Geranium Cottage said...

WOW I feel honored that you used my recipe from last year. As I'm reading along on your posts catching up I see my NAME. LOL I had to re read. I love the way you put them in the box. Very cute!!