Heavenly Caramel Sauce Recipes

HEAVENLY CARAMEL SAUCE

Steps:

• 1. Spread the sugar in an even layer over the bottom of a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Place over medium-low heat, watching carefully. When the sugar begins to liquefy around the edges, use a heatproof spatula to gently stir it towards the center. Continue stirring very gently until all the sugar is melted, taking care not to over stir.
• 2. Measure out the heavy cream in a liquid measuring cup and scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the cream. Set aside. Once the caramel reaches a deep amber color, immediately remove the sauce pan from the heat. (To test the color, spoon a drop onto a white plate or bowl.) Carefully whisk in half of the heavy cream along with the vanilla bean seeds. The mixture will steam and bubble violently. Stir until the cream is well incorporated, then whisk in the remaining cream.
• 3. Stir in the salt and the vanilla. If any sugar has hardened, place the saucepan over low heat and whisk until smooth.
• 4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If needed, it can be rewarmed in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat.

HEAVENLY CARAMELS

Steps:

• Grease a 9 x 13 inch pan. or- I use Parchment paper VERY lightly greased -- and even then, i wipe it off with a napkin so it is just barly covered.
• In a LARGE pot (because it tripples in size ladies) combine sugar, corn syrup, evaporated milk, whipping cream, and butter. Monitor the heat of the mixture with a candy thermometer while stirring.
• When the thermometer reaches ABOUT 242-250 degrees. ***If you want the kind of caramel that is really soft and stringy when you bite into it, cook closer to 242. If you want chewier caramel yet they are still beautifully soft, cook closer to 250*** This usually takes around 40-50 minutes, and cook on a medium heat -- It will not burn this way- it my be necessary to turn it up at about 220 -- It seems to sit at that temp if you dont increase the heat. But you must stand and stir constantly at that point so it doesnt burn.
• Remove from heat.
• Stir in vanilla. Transfer mixture to the prepared pan and let the mixture cool completely. When cooled cut the Carmel into small squares USING A PLASTIC KNIFE and wrap them in wax paper for storage. The plastic knife is a God-send -- Slides right through.