christmas caramels

   Need a little gift to give this Christmas for a sweets loving friend?  I know I'll be giving out these Christmas caramels this year. (I think these might even make it into those gift giving glass jars.) These aren't just any caramels either, they have the flavor of freshly baked gingerbread and nothing says Christmas like good ol' gingerbread.

christmas caramels

4 cups sugar

2 cups light corn syrup

3/4 butter cut up (unsalted)

1/2 molasses

4 cups heavy cream

1 tsp good vanilla extract (or beans if you have it)

1 tsp ground cinnamon

3/4 tsp ground ginger

3/4 tsp grated nutmeg

3/4 tsp salt

cooking spray

1. Spray and line a 12x17 inch rimmed baking sheet, leaving a bit of overhang for the parchment paper.

2. In a large pot (largest one you got) over high heat and bring cream, sugar, butter, corn syrup, molasses to a boil, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently,  until mixture reaches 130 c (firm ball stage), about 20 min.

3. Remove from heat, add vanilla, salt and spices and stir.  Working fast pour onto the prepared sheet, do not scrape the bottom. Let stand, uncovered for 24hr at room temp.

4. Remove from pan, holding on to the parchment, move to a cutting board and cut 1 inch strips with a large knife and cut the strip into 1 x 1 1/4 inch pieces. Wrap individually in waxed paper.

Makes over 12 dozen (yep, this is a big batch)

P.S. For any of you Twilighters out there I saw New Moon last night!! Amazing!  I'm sure I'll be going again.. and then maybe once more. 

P.P.S I'd also like to thank Bonnie for featuring me on her fab blog. You must go check out all her amazing posts!