If you are on Google +, we have exciting news to share! I formed a new baking community: Google + Baking Community. Lizzy and Anuradha from Baker Street are moderating the group with me. You know that it will be full of fabulous baking talk-come join the fun!
Brown Sugar Caramels
Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup half and half
2 cups whipping cream
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
Directions:
Line 8 x 8 inch pan with non-stick foil. Set aside.
In a large, heavy saucepan, combine sugars, corn syrup, half and half, cream and butter. Cook over medium low heat, stirring, till candy thermometer reaches 250º. This may take up to an hour. At 250º remove pan from heat and add vanilla.
Pour into prepared pan and let cool completely. Cut into small squares and wrap in waxed paper.
Makes approximately 60.
Tips for making caramels:
- Use a good, accurate candy thermometer…if your caramels don’t come to temperature, they will be too soft. If the mixture gets too hot, your caramels will be hard to chew.
- Using corn syrup prevents the sugar from recrystallizing and becoming grainy…you don’t want to leave it out.
- A rapid increase or decrease in temperature while cooking will cause the butter to separate from the caramel as it cools. Keep your flame/burner temperature steady. Be patient.
- I use a rubber spatula that can take the heat without melting to stir almost continuously. Some recipes don’t require this constant stirring, so follow the directions on your specific recipe.
Thanks, Lora, for inviting me to share a favorite holiday recipe with you and your followers. Wishing you all a very delicious and Merry Christmas!!! xo
Thank you for the story and these delicious Brown Sugar Caramels, Lizzy. Here’s how to see more of Lizzy and That Skinny Chick Can Bake!!! : Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Pinterest.
Happy Monday to all of you!
xo
Hmm, everything into one pan. That's certainly easier than the recipes I've used that require two pans and two or even three cooking stages. I think I'll give this a try. They certainly look delicious and chewy. Thanks!
Ok, lucky Nick and poor Nick, all at the same time! I'll keep my fingers crossed that he's able to study well and do exceptionally at his finals. I'm sure you can't wait for him to get home for Christmas. It'll be like one of those Folgers commercials.
It's fun to see two of the most awesome bakers together in the same blog and in my book, the caramels are the perfect dessert. Not a drop of chocolate in sight! I love it.
I am so excited to read your recipe for the caramels! I just finally made caramels for the first time yesterday, and loved making them:-) I am a brown sugar freak, so I love love the idea of adding brown sugar to the delicious treat:-) They look fantastic! Hugs, Terra
I have always wanted to make these. I love caramels. Liz is so talented and her baking always inspires. I have been so enjoying her Christmas series! And now these! Great recipe, thanks for sharing!
These caramels are just amazing, brown sugar caramel, it doesn´t get much better! It´s so great to find the wonderful Liz here in your wonderful blog Lora. I love you girls, hope to meet you one day..
Thanks SO much for inviting me, Lora…and for the sweet introduction!
Stumptown Savory, yeah, more than one pan to clean is a drag!
Mom Chef, yes, I can't wait to get him home!!!
Terra, aren't homemade caramels wonderful?
Jamie, you're so sweet…thank you!!!
I love Liz's recipes! And I met her at Mixed last weekend & am so happy we had a chance to enjoy breakfast together on the last day. These caramels look divine.
These look delicious. Your son is going to love getting his care package. (Good luck to him on his exams!) Thanks for sharing the recipe and all the cooking tips. I just may try to make these!
how fun it must be to read old recipes like that… knowing me I might try to figure it out. 😉
caramels have always been my favorite, also – these sound perfect!
I love homemade caramels, Lizzy! These are beautiful!
Congratulations on your lovely trust post!!!! The homemade caramels look just luscious Lizzy-thanks for sharing your recipe;-)
I love making homemade caramels and last year was lucky enough to share the experience with a friend whose mother was ill but who wanted to pass the recipe to her daughter. I think it's time I make them again; it's a reminder to me to appreciate every day as a gift.
I Love caramel! These homemade versions look too irresistible…I don't think I would want to share. 😉
Did you say brown sugar caramels?! In love, I can only imagine how wonderful these must taste!
Gorgeous gifting guaranteed!!…Do you think a sprinkling of fleur de sel or small flaked salt "Salted Caramel" riff is possible here?..My husband loves his "Caramels Salés"..from the Brittany region of France…Also, in Europe could one sub Lyle's Golden Syrup…or even Vermont or Canadian Maple Syrup for the light corn syrup?…Coconut Palm Nectar?..Thanks for this post..just in time for the holidays!
Perfect color and rich creamy candies looks amazingly delicious!
These are perfect caramels!! What a great gift idea, if I don't eat them all first.
Delicious homemade caramels, excellent gift, Lizzy is wonderful baker.
Lora, You're a terrific hostess and together with today's guest, I feel as though I won the Powerball jackpot! Liz, it's posts like this that leave me feeling inspired to make some of these lush caramels for my family & friends. Only thing is, I can't be certain any of them would actually see wax paper wrappers!
You had me at brown sugar and caramel! These are a WINNER and a must make. Pinning immediately!!!
These are so yummy! Perfect gifts for Christmas.
THANKS for all the WONDERFUL comments! You've made my day!!! xo
Donna, a sprinkling of sea salt would be wonderful! As far a substitute for corn syrup, Lyle's Golden syrup is your best bet. Maple syrup could make the caramels rock hard. Hope you give these a try!!!
Now THOSE look tasty. What a wonderful treat to make for the holidays. Great as gifts… or just as after dinner nibbles.
This is awesome!! and I LOVE all of the tips!! I totally needed to know those things! I echo what everyone has said here. . great as gifts! Love this!
Delightful treat!
I wish my screen would let me dive in and taste them! They really look good 🙂
Awesome guest post, Lizzy! Lor sure knows how to pick 'em 🙂 LOVE homemade caramels..I could easily eat every single one in the photos! The brown sugar gives them a nice, molasses twist!
Lora, and Lizzy- such a great duo! Love you both:)…and love, love the delicious and beautiful Brown Sugar Caramels, Lizzy!
They look so professional…but then again; you are a 'pro' when it comes to making fabulous cakes, cookies, and desserts. It does not surprise me at all to see more and more of your amazing stuff! Thanks for the mention about me, as well! xoxo
Lizzy is the master of sweet treats – these caramels are no exception. They look and sound incredible!
Hi Lora, thanks Lizzy for this recipe. The caramels look perfect and delicious! I must try it. Thank you Lora for sharing it.
Have a wonderful weekend 🙂
Lora, and Lizzy, these caramels looks amazing! Definitely adding to my list this year!
Oh wow Lizzy, these look amazing! They could have come from the finest of sweets shops!
The caramel looks lovely.
These look fantastic! We love caramels too and I'm afraid these wouldn't last long around our house!
nice to see Liz here Lora!
Liz you disturbed my inner peace with your home made caramels. I couldn't stop staring at them in google+. By the way Lora thank you for starting up the baking community. It's an honor to be part and I am looking forward to the new google+ experience together with you all.