Soft Salted Caramels

Line a 9×13” pan or sheet pan with parchment paper. Either size pan will work–9×13” will yield thicker caramels.

Add 2 sticks butter, sugar, and corn syrup to a large heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Stir over medium heat until mixture begins to boil, about 5-10 minutes.

Gradually add the evaporated milk, one can at a time, taking about 12-15 minutes PER CAN to slowly add it, while stirring constantly. You want to make sure the mixture maintains a steady heat and constant boil (no drastic changes in temperature) otherwise your caramels can curdle.

Stir the mixture constantly, scraping the sides occasionally until it reaches a firm ball stage (about 240-245 degrees F on a candy thermometer). This step takes time, but yields a wonderful final result. If you do not have a candy thermometer or find it to be inconsistent, drop a spoonful of hot caramel sauce into a cup of ice water and mold it with your fingers into a ball. When ready it will feel pretty firm and pliable, but still slightly sticky.

Once you reach 240-245 degrees F / or the firm ball stage, remove from heat. Stir in vanilla.

Pour caramels into prepared pan. If desired, 10 minutes into cooling sprinkle coarse sea salt on top of the caramels. Refrigerate until cooled and hardened as this will make them much easier to cut and wrap.

The caramel will seem hard in the fridge after they're set, but they should be soft at room temperature. Cut caramel into small pieces and, if desired, wrap like a tootsie roll in wax paper.