Decadent Chocolate-Dipped Homemade Caramels

Homemade Chocolate-Dipped Caramels Recipe

Overview:

These homemade caramels are a labor of love, perfect for gifting during the festive Christmas season. While they require a considerable amount of time and attention, the end result is incredibly satisfying, making them ideal for sharing with family and friends. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will fill your home with the sweet aroma of caramel and chocolate!

Time Breakdown:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups heavy cream, divided
• 3/4 cup evaporated milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Chopped pecans or other nuts (optional)
• Chocolate for dipping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Saucepan:

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   • Lightly oil the bottom and sides of a large, heavy saucepan to prevent the caramel from sticking.

2. Combine Ingredients:

   • In the prepared saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1 cup of heavy cream.

3. Boil Mixture:

   • Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to ensure even cooking.

4. Incorporate Remaining Cream:

   • Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, slowly pour in the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring continuously.

5. Cook to Temperature:

   • Continue to cook the mixture, stirring steadily, until it reaches a temperature of 232°F on a candy thermometer.

6. Add Evaporated Milk:

   • Gradually add the evaporated milk to the mixture, ensuring that it doesn’t disrupt the boiling process.

7. Chocolate Addition:

   • If desired, add chocolate to the mixture and stir until melted and fully incorporated.

8. Final Cooking Stage:

   • Keep cooking and stirring until the temperature reaches 242°F, ensuring that the caramel reaches the desired consistency.

9. Remove from Heat:

   • Once the caramel reaches the desired temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat.

10. Add Vanilla and Nuts:

    • Stir in the vanilla extract, and if desired, add chopped pecans or other nuts to enhance the flavor and texture of the caramels.

11. Pour into Pan:

    • Pour the caramel mixture into an ungreased 8-inch square pan, being careful not to scrape the bottom of the saucepan to avoid any burnt bits.

12. Cool and Set:

    • Allow the caramel to cool to room temperature, then transfer the pan to the freezer for several hours to allow it to firm up.

13. Unmold and Cut:

    • Once the caramel has hardened sufficiently, invert the pan over a piece of plastic wrap and tap the bottom to release the solid caramel slab. If it doesn’t release easily, return it to the freezer until it firms up further.

14. Slice and Wrap:

    • Once the caramel slab is removed from the pan, peel off the plastic wrap and cut it into 1-inch pieces. Wrap each piece in small squares of waxed paper for convenient serving and storage.

Serving Suggestions:

These homemade caramels are delightful on their own, but for an extra special treat, consider dipping them in melted chocolate after cutting and wrapping. The combination of rich, buttery caramel and indulgent chocolate is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Enjoy these sweet delights as a dessert, snack, or thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season or any time of year! 🍬🍫