Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Serves: 35 - 40
These salted chocolate caramels have beautiful the rich
flavors and are a tasty salty-sweet combo.
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup (113 grams) butter (1 stick)
1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or heavy whipping cream (36-40%
butterfat content)
3 tablespoons water
1/4 cup (60 ml) light corn syrup
1 cup (200 grams) sugar
1 pound chocolate (we like to use semi-sweet chocolate)
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon course or flaked sea salt
METHOD
1. Lightly oil a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan then measure and cut a
piece of parchment paper that will fit inside the pan and come up the sides by
at least 1 inch. Next, lightly oil the parchment paper and place into the pan.
Set the pan aside.
2. Cut butter into 8 pieces then combine with heavy cream in
a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until hot
and butter has melted. Set aside, we will use this later.
3. In a small saucepan combine the water and corn syrup.
Then, add the sugar, but try your best not to splatter the sugar up the sides
of the pan. Now, use a spoon to gently stir the sugar into the water and corn
syrup, just moistening the sugar.
4. Heat over medium heat until the sugar has come to a boil.
Then, cover with a lid for 1 minute. This adds steam/moisture to the pan, so
any sugar that may have stuck to the sides of the pan melts and falls back into
the boiling sugar.
5. Remove lid then attach a candy thermometer to the side of
the saucepan. Then, cook sugar for 5 to 10 minutes, until the sugar reaches a
temperature of 320 degrees F (160 degrees C). At this temperature, the
sugar will take on a light amber color around the edges of the pan.
6. The moment the sugar reaches 320 degrees F (160 degrees
C), carefully pour about a sixth of the butter and cream mixture then stir,
using the base of the candy thermometer to incorporate it. Repeat with the
remaining cream and butter (adding a sixth of it at a time then stirring). The
sugar will bubble violently as you add the butter and cream – so do this
carefully and slowly to prevent the mixture from bubbling over the sides of the
saucepan.
7. Continue cooking for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the
caramel reaches a temperature of 240 degrees F (115 degrees C). This will
create a soft caramel, if you want slightly harder caramels; bring the
temperature closer to 245 degrees F (118 degrees C).
8. The moment the caramel reaches your desired temperature, pour into the prepared loaf pan. Then, let the caramel cool 3 1/2 hours.
8. The moment the caramel reaches your desired temperature, pour into the prepared loaf pan. Then, let the caramel cool 3 1/2 hours.
9. Unmold the caramel. If the caramel is too soft to work
with, place into the refrigerator 30 to 45 minutes to firm up. Then, use a
large sharp knife to cut into your desired shape. We like to cut into 1-inch by
1-inch squares.
10. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.
11. Use a large knife
to chop chocolate into small pieces. Separate about 1/3 cup of the chocolate
and set aside then add the remaining chocolate to a microwave-safe bowl. Add
the butter then microwave for 30 to 45 seconds, stir then repeat until melted
(stirring after every 30 to 45-seconds). Once the chocolate has melted, add the
1/3 cup of chocolate and stir until smooth and shiny.
12. Use two forks to dip each caramel into the melted chocolate then place onto waxed paper. Place a little salt on top of each caramel then allow chocolate to cool and set.
12. Use two forks to dip each caramel into the melted chocolate then place onto waxed paper. Place a little salt on top of each caramel then allow chocolate to cool and set.
13. Wrap caramels in plastic wrap or waxed paper and enjoy
immediately, or you can refrigerate or freeze for enjoying later.
