Homemade Microwave Caramels (Unsalted/Salted)

Adapted from Six SistersHomemade Microwave Caramels Recipe:

(Makes 12-15 caramels)

Ingredients:1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

Directions:Combine all ingredients in a microwaveable safe bowl until smooth.  Cook for 6 minutes in your microwave, removing and stirring every two minutes.  When caramel is done cooking, pour into a 9x13" pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.  Optional: Sprinkle sea salt across the top. Let cool completely.  Cut into pieces and roll up in wax paper.

*Note: Can use for pretzel rods. Make as directed, let cool slightly in pan. Pull it a chunk at a time and wrap around pretzel rod. Let it set up on the rod for several hours/overnight. After it's set, re-wrap around rod a little and then dip in melted chocolate and add desired toppings. 

Candy Cane Fudge

Ingredients

1/2 cup  whipping cream 

1/2 cup light corn syrup

3 cups real semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

1 cup crushed Mystik Starlite Mints (soft mint candy, comes in a bag like chocolate chips, have to get at Aldis) **Can also use soft candy canes, crushed up.

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

 

Instructions

 

Line 8 inch glass baking pan with aluminum foil, extending edges over sides of pan.

Bring cream and corn syrup to a boil in a 2 qt saucepan over medium heat. Boil for one minute

remove from heat  add chocolate chips::  Stir constantly till chips are melted.  Stir in powdered sugar, mints, and vanilla.  Pour into prepared pan and spread mixture into corners.  Cover. Refrigerate 2 hrs or until firm.

Lift fudge out of pan using foil.  Remove foil. Cut into 1 inch squares Store in airtight containers.

 

Makes about 2 lbs  (64 pieces)

Caramel Popcorn

This is the really good stuff. It's crunchy not sticky or chewy. I begged for this recipe after getting a bag of this for Christmas. I'm totally making it for neighbors.

Crunchy Caramel Popcorn

Pop 5 Quarts popcorn

In saucepan:

1 Cup Butter

2 Cups Brown sugar

½ C light corn syrup

1 tsp salt

-Bring to boil on medium heat, boil for 5 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and add:

1 tsp vanilla

½ tsp baking soda

-Stir together, it will foam up. Pour over popcorn and coat well. Pour into two large cake pans, sprayed with Pam.

-Put in 250 degree oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread out on wax paper to cool.