Aunt Elizabeth’s Caramels

🍬 Aunt Elizabeth’s Caramels 🍬

History:
Aunt Elizabeth’s Caramels are a delightful treat with a rich history rooted in homemade, old-fashioned candy making. While there isn’t a specific historical account associated with this particular recipe, caramels have been a beloved confection for centuries. They likely originated in the United States during the 17th century when early settlers combined sugar, butter, and milk to create a sweet and creamy treat.

Components:
The main components of Aunt Elizabeth’s Caramels typically include:

1. Sugar: The primary sweetening agent.
2. Butter: Adds richness and creaminess.
3. Heavy Cream: Provides a smooth texture.
4. Corn Syrup: Helps prevent crystallization.
5. Salt: Balances the sweetness.
6. Vanilla Extract: For flavor.
7. Optional: Nuts (usually chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts) for added texture and flavor.

Steps to Prepare Aunt Elizabeth’s Caramels:
Making caramels can be a bit of a process, but the result is definitely worth it. Here are the steps:

1. Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease it. This will make it easier to remove the caramels later.

2. Combine Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of butter, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of corn syrup, and a pinch of salt. Stir these ingredients together over medium heat.

3. Cook to Soft Ball Stage: Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Cook the mixture until it reaches the soft ball stage, typically around 240-245°F (115-120°C). This will take about 15-20 minutes.

4. Remove from Heat: Once you’ve reached the desired temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 tsp of vanilla extract.

5. Add Nuts (Optional): If you’re including nuts, fold in around 1 cup of chopped nuts at this stage.

6. Pour into Pan: Carefully pour the caramel mixture into your prepared pan.

7. Cool and Cut: Let the caramels cool at room temperature for a few hours or in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Once they’re firm, remove the block from the pan and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces.

8. Wrap Individually: If you’d like, you can wrap each caramel in wax paper or cellophane for a more polished finish.

Time Needed:
The time needed to prepare Aunt Elizabeth’s Caramels will vary, but you can expect to spend around 2-3 hours from start to finish. This includes the cooking and cooling time, plus any additional time for wrapping individual caramels if you choose to do so.

Enjoy your homemade Aunt Elizabeth’s Caramels! They make for a sweet and thoughtful gift or a delicious treat for yourself. 🍬😋

🍬 Aunt Elizabeth’s Caramels – Nutrition Facts and Health Information 🍬

Nutrition facts for caramels can vary based on the specific recipe and portion size, but here’s a general overview of what you can expect for a standard serving (one caramel, approximately 10 grams):

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: Around 40-50 calories per caramel.
• Total Fat: Approximately 2-3 grams.
• Saturated Fat: About 1-2 grams.
• Cholesterol: Around 5-10 milligrams.
• Sodium: 20-30 milligrams.
• Total Carbohydrates: 6-8 grams, mostly from sugars.
• Dietary Fiber: Minimal, if any.
• Sugars: 4-6 grams.
• Protein: Less than 1 gram.

It’s important to note that Aunt Elizabeth’s Caramels, like many traditional candies, are a sweet indulgence. They are high in sugar and fat, which can contribute to a higher calorie count. Additionally, the use of corn syrup and butter adds to the saturated fat content. While these caramels are a delightful treat, they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Health Information:

1. Caloric Density: Caramels are relatively high in calories for their small size, so it’s important to be mindful of portion control, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake.

2. Sugar Content: These caramels are primarily composed of sugar, which can lead to a quick spike in blood sugar levels. It’s advisable for individuals with diabetes to consume them in moderation.

3. Saturated Fat: The presence of butter in the recipe contributes to saturated fat content. Excessive consumption of saturated fats can be detrimental to heart health.

4. Nutritional Value: Caramels are a source of empty calories, meaning they provide energy but lack significant vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients.

5. Allergies: Some individuals may be allergic to ingredients like dairy (butter) or nuts if they are included in the recipe.

6. Moderation: While caramels are not considered a health food, they can certainly be enjoyed as an occasional treat. Just be aware of their high sugar and calorie content.

Remember, enjoying Aunt Elizabeth’s Caramels is perfectly fine as an occasional indulgence, but it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet and not overconsume sweets for the sake of your overall health and well-being. 🍬😊