Microwave Caramels

Microwave Caramels

from the kitchen of Kate, thanks to Courtney Smith

(If preferred, this can also be done completely on the cooktop.)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter
• 2 1/4 cups firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• pinch of salt
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
• 1 tsp vanilla

Put:

• butter into a large glass bowl.  Microwave on high 1 to 2 minutes to melt.  Blend in the brown sugar, corn syrup, condensed milk and salt.  Cover with plastic.

Cook:

• on high for 10 to 12 minutes.  Uncover.  Stir well.

Cook:

• uncovered, on medium-high 16 to 20 minutes or until candy forms a ball when a small piece is dropped in cold water (or 245 degrees on a candy thermometer). 

Mix:

• in vanilla.  Pour into a buttered 12 x 8 inch baking dish.  Cool.

Cut:

• into 1 inch squares.  Wrap each in a 2 x 2 inch piece of wax paper.