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Grandma Norma's Caramels

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups whipping cream
  • 1 1/2 cups white Karo syrup
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 Tbsp. vanilla

Instructions
 

  • Start with a heavy bottomed pan. Add the 2 cups of sugar to the bottom of the pan in the middle, avoid getting sugar on the sides as it will crystallize. Pour the corn syrup around the sugar, add the salt, then pour one cup of the whipping cream in. Cook over low heat for about 30 minutes until it becomes pale beige in color.
    Turn up the heat and add another cup of the cream, slowly. Do not allow the mixture to stop boiling or it will curdle. If it does curdle, add 1/16 tsp. baking soda and stir. 
    After about 15 or 20 minutes add the remaining cream and cook to a firm, soft ball, 230 degrees to 234 degrees. 230 degrees is right if you plan to dip the caramels. 234 degrees is ideal for cutting and wrapping the caramels. Stir at the end as the caramel gets up to temp and begins to thicken. 
    When desired temperature is reached, add the vanilla and stir. Pour the caramel into a buttered 9x13 pan. Cool and let stand for at least 24 hours. 2 to 3 days is best. Cut and wrap as desired.