{ Homemade Caramels }

I thought I would come in today and share with you a an idea for some homemade gifts you can make right in your kitchen.  Sometimes we feel the pinch and need to come up with some gift ideas that won't break our bank.  These caramels have always been a hit.

I made these many years ago, back in Arizona.  Come to think of it, back in Arizona I made a lot of things, much more than I do nowadays, but things were different, times were different and I had a lot more time on my hands to be in the kitchen baking and cooking.



Anyway, I had a few hours home today without needing to be anywhere, so I got right to work and made a batch of these, for gifts.  I don't know if they'll make it to Christmas and I think I might actually have to make another batch this weekend, because they're so yummy and every has been taking one here and there.

I have a few recipes on my food blog, but I thought I would link them here for you.  I've tried each and every of these recipes, and they've all turned out perfect.  Some use candy thermometers, some don't, so feel free to use whichever you prefer.

Homemade Caramels
Creamy Caramels
Vanilla Caramels

The recipe I used today is a new one for me and it comes from Creme de La Crumb.  It uses no candy thermometer and the result are soft caramels that literally melt in your mouth.  So good!!!

Easy 4 Ingredient Soft Caramels

1 1/2 sticks butter (12 tablespoons)
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
optional: coarse sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla (see note)



In a medium sauce pan combine butter and sugar and stir over medium heat until melted. Stir in corn syrup and condensed milk.

Bring to a boil and then decrease to simmer 7-10 minutes or until mixture achieves deep golden color, stirring constantly. (*For lower altitudes, simmer time may need to be reduced 2-3 minutes, watch carefully for coloring!) - See update below recipe!

Pour caramel into a foil-lined 8x8 inch pan and allow to cool completely. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt if desired.

When completely cooled, cut into squares and wrap in wax paper.


Recipe Notes

*makes about 20-30 caramels (depending on how large you cut them)

***for additional richness and flavor, you can stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla after removing the caramel from the heat and before pouring it into your prepared pan. sprinkle coarse sea salt on top of caramels for a boost of rich salted caramel flavor!


Now go forth and make caramels, your family and friends will thank you :)