Make these soft and chewy caramel candies at home

In the West, homemade caramel recipes are traditionally made around the holidays and they are, of course, Christmas favorites of the young and the old alike. These soft and chewy homemade caramel candies are always food gifts for friends and neighbors during the holidays. The best thing about making this homemade candy recipe is that you will only need regular kitchen ingredients and the steps are simple. These homemade candy recipes could be an essential addition to your dessert repertoire. You will definitely earn praises and you might get asked about the recipe too

Tips for perfect caramels every time:

• Slowly stir in evaporated milk: This should take about 15 minutes per can. Pour in a little at a time and keep the mixture at a constant boil to ensure it doesn’t curdle.
• Maintain steady heat: As you caramelize, set the burner to medium heat. Consistent temperatures are crucial for achieving that perfect caramel texture without burning it.
• Candy thermometer vs. ice water test: Trusting a candy thermometer can be tricky. Instead, opt for the ice water test. Drop a spoonful of caramel into ice water, and if it molds into a firm ball, it's ready.
• Wrap them cold: Preparing these caramels a day ahead of time allows them to chill in the fridge, making cutting and wrapping a breeze.

Ingredients:

• 170 gm unsalted butter
• 300 gm granulated sugar
• 120 gm glucose syrup
• 240 gm milk, evaporated
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

How to make homemade caramels:

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, toss together the butter, sugar, and glucose syrup. Stir this mixture over medium heat until it begins to boil, which should take about 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Gradually pour in the evaporated milk, one can at a time, taking about 12 to 15 minutes for each. It's essential to stir constantly and maintain a steady boil to prevent curdling.
3. Keep stirring and scraping the sides occasionally. The mixture will need to reach the firm ball stage. Instead of using a thermometer, rely on the ice water test: drop a spoonful of hot caramel into a cup of ice water. If it forms a firm yet pliable ball, it’s time to remove it from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Cool: Pour the hot caramel into a prepared pan. Refrigerate until fully cooled and hardened, ideally overnight, to make cutting easier.
5. Cut: Once set, use a stainless steel scraper to cut the caramel into even squares.
6. While the caramels may seem hard in the fridge, they’ll soften at room temperature. Cut them into small pieces and wrap them like Tootsie Rolls in wax paper, if desired.

You could use liquid jaggery too in place of glucose syrup. It is a great alternative. While it may impart a slightly different flavor due to its unique taste, it can still work well in candy recipes. Liquid jaggery can be made by dissolving jaggery in water and straining it to achieve a syrupy consistency.

Storage tips:

First up: air-tight containers. Don’t overlook this basic move! Keep the caramels in an air-tight container, preferably with wax paper or parchment separating the layers. No air, no soggy mess.

Refrigeration can hold for two to three weeks in the fridge. That’s the trick if you’re looking for longevity. Cold but not rock-solid—this isn’t the freezer, after all.

If you’re feeling ambitious, freeze them. Yes, freeze! Wrap each caramel individually in wax paper, then slide the bundles into a zip-top bag. Press out the air completely. This can keep them deliciously chewable for two to three months.

Now, let’s be realistic: room temperature works, but only short-term. Two weeks maximum! Wrap them snugly in parchment, pop them into an air-tight container, and store in a cool, dry place.

Here's a final tip: if they start sticking together, give them a dusting of powdered sugar or cornstarch. Also, check out our holiday candy recipes. They are exceptional holiday treats that go beyond mere confections. And also discover your favorite candy flavors. But managing candy intake is crucial. Manage kids' candy intake with clear boundaries, treat emphasis, and creative dispensing. Try balanced and enjoyable candy recipes like Fruit Pops and Yogurt Parfait.

These homemade caramels not only evoke a sense of nostalgia but also make delightful gifts or indulgent treats to enjoy at home. With their soft, chewy texture and rich flavor, they truly embody the spirit of sweet tradition.