Salted Caramel Candies Food

HOW TO MAKE SALTED CARAMELS

Steps:

• Use softened unsalted butter to grease an 8x8 pan. Cut two strips of parchment paper to fit the pan, leaving an overhang on each side and buttering each piece. Set aside. Combine sugar, heavy cream, corn syrup, salted butter, and fine sea salt in a 3-quart saucepan. Stirring frequently, cook on medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture starts to boil. Clip on a candy thermometer. Continue cooking and stirring until the temperature reaches 245ºF. (This will take about 30 minutes.) Lower the heat as needed to prevent bubbling over. As soon as the mixture reaches 245ºF, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla bean paste (see note). Immediately pour into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the fleur de sel over the top. Let the caramels set for at least two hours and up to overnight. Lift the caramel out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into pieces using kitchen shears. Wrap individual caramels in pieces of waxed paper. Store at room temperature. Note: To make chocolate caramels, omit the vanilla bean paste. Stir together 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract with 1/4 teaspoon espresso powder. Add this mixture plus 3 ounces melted unsweetened chocolate in place of the vanilla bean paste.

SALTED CARAMELS

Steps:

• Butter and line the base and sides of a 20 x 30cm tin with baking parchment.
• Pour the cream into a saucepan along with the butter and vanilla, then bring to a simmer. Swirl the pan to melt the butter, then remove from the heat.
• In a separate pan, melt the sugar and golden syrup together, stirring occasionally. Once the sugar granules have dissolved, bring to the boil and cook until the temperature reaches 155C on a sugar thermometer. Remove from the heat and swiftly whisk through the cream mixture. Return to the heat and cook until the mixture reaches 127C, constantly whisking so it doesn't catch.
• Pour the caramel into the tin, tilting so it reaches the corners. Leave to set for 15 mins, then sprinkle with the salt. Leave to cool completely at room temperature (preferably overnight). Cut into squares using a very sharp, slightly oiled knife, then wrap each one in a square of baking parchment.