Merry Widow Caramels
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Best caramels ever! Be prepared to get your arm workout for the day. You need to stir constantly for 20-25 minutes or so to get to the firm ball stage. Sprinkle with a little coarse salt after you pour them into the pan, if you like salted caramel.
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Serves: 75-100 caramels
Ingredients
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream, room temperature
  • 1¾ cups light Karo Syrup
  • 1 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • coarse sea salt (optional)
  • pecans (optional)
Instructions
  1. Butter a 9x13 pan and set aside.
  2. Prepare thermometer or set up a few small cups of cold water near your stove to check the caramel when you see it turning light brown. You want it to be firm ball stage. (See above post for more details about firm ball stage)
  3. Combine sugar, cream, Karo Syrup, and butter in a 4-quart pot or larger. Once the mixture boils up, it will be within about 1½ inches from the top of the pan.
  4. Bring combination to a full boil, stirring constantly.
  5. At this point, turn the heat down a few notches but keep the mixture boiling, and continue to stir constantly for 20 minutes or so to get to the firm ball stage. Watch your thermometer or check the mixture in a cup of cold water to make sure it is moving along.
  6. Once the mixture reaches firm ball stage, quickly stir in the vanilla and dump directly into the buttered 9x13 pan. Do not scrape the sides.
  7. If adding pecans to all or part of the caramels, sprinkle pecans on top and press them down into the caramel while it is still warm.
  8. If adding coarse salt, sprinkle a small amount on top of the caramel immediately after pouring it into the 9x13 pan.
  9. Let cool for at least 2-3 hours before cutting and wrapping in wax paper.
  10. Cutting the caramel into 1-inch size pieces will yield about 80 caramels.
Recipe by Real Life Dinner at https://reallifedinner.com/merry-widow-caramels/