Caramels

Caramels are a wonderful gift to give away at Christmastime. I usually make them every year.  They are delicious, most people love them, and are quite impressive all wrapped in paper.  I usually put them into a holiday cellophane gift bag tied with a festive ribbon.  They make great gifts for teachers, co-workers, paper carriers etc.  This recipe I got from the Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook.

Caramels

1 cup butter, no substitutes!

1 16 oz. pkg. (2 1/4 c. packed) brown sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

1 14oz. can sweetened condensed milk

1 t. vanilla

1/2 c. walnuts, (my addition and optional)

Wax paper cut into 5" x 3" pieces

Generously butter a 9x9x2 inch pan; set aside.  In a heaby 3 quart saucepan melt the 1 cup butter.  Add sugar and dash of salt; stir thoroughly.  Stir in corn syrup.  Gradually add condensed milk; stir constantly.  Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally to 245 degrees (firm ball stage), for 15-20 minutes (mixture should boil gently over entire surface).  Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.  Stir in nuts, if desired.  Pour into buttered pan.  When cool, cut into  1 x 1 1/2 inch rectangles with a wet, sharp knife.  Wrap each piece in wax paper, twisting each end of paper to hold caramel in.