Recipe Details

Summary

Name: Christmas Caramels

Category: Chocolate

2 cups sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup light cream

1 cup butter

1/2 cup light corn syrup

4 unsweetened chocolate squares

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups pecan halves

1/2 cup candied cherries

* Use red and green candied cherries, cut in half, as an optional decoration for

the top of caramel squares.

1. In large saucepan, combine the sugar, salt, cream, butter (best to use

butter instead of margarine for this recipe) syrup and chocolate. Bring to a gentle

boil over low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until mixture reaches 248 degrees on

candy thermometer, or to the firm-ball stage when a bit is dropped into cold

water.

2. Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract and

pecans halves. Butter an 8-inch square pan and pour in the candy. Press 32

cherries, cut in half, on candy if desired. Cool candy until firm.

3. Cut into 1-inch pieces (should be 64), leaving a cherry half on each piece.

Place each piece on wax paper or in paper candy liners found at cake decorating

supply stores or gift shops.

Serving Ideas : Make these a few days before Christmas for gifts.