Caramels

I love caramels!  No, let me rephrase that.  I LOVE CARAMELS!!!!  This is an amazing recipe done super quickly without specialty equipment.  And, literally 6 minutes!  I worked with someone who made caramels each year to give as Christmas gifts.  They were amazing.  It would take her several days, she needed a few extra helpers and it generated a lot of stress.  I brought a few of these into work for a taste test and most people couldn’t choose the high maintenance one over my 5 ingredient caramels.  So, hmmm, what a decision, easy or hard?

I’ve been making these for several years now and I have never had a batch fail.  In 2 hours you can make enough batches to give all your friends a gift bag.  I do give everyone the sticky warning.  They are so tempting to chew, but I really wouldn’t.  They are seriously sticky.  In my opinion, they are worth losing a crown, but chew at your own risk.

My other favorite thing is clean up.  Basically everything you need is in the measuring cup I have pictured.  You are going to want to buy me a beverage after you make these, and out of the goodness of my heart, I will let you.  Enjoy,  my fellow caramel lovers.

¼ cup butter

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup light Karo syrup

½ cup sweetened condensed milk

Combine all ingredients in an 8 cup Pyrex measuring cup.  Cook for 6 minutes in the microwave, stirring well every 2 minutes.  Pour onto a well-buttered plate.  Cool.  Roll in waxed paper and chill.  Makes approximately 36 pieces.

+  From the Recipe Box:

I pour onto a buttered plate.  When coolish, I make a log on greased waxed paper and then cool completely in the refrigerator.  When totally cool, slice into 3/8 inch slices and wrap individually in 6 inch squares of waxed paper.

Damn fine for only 6 minutes.  I’d put it up against any other recipe that needs a candy thermometer and lots of stove top cooking.

They look ever so festive in their little wrappers.

I occasionally like them sprinkled with a little kosher salt.

Be careful….the first time Greg tried one it pulled off a crown.  These are good and sticky.  Also, the mixture is incredibly hot; I don’t have little helpers when I make these.

and remember:  Speak the truth even if your voice shakes.  Big kiss, Lynn