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!

Comments

kamran siddiqi said…
Beautiful blog post! Your photos are lovely! I think I'll have to make this soon! :)
Helene said…
Love the spices you used Ash! Will add these to my list of Christmas goodies!
Everytime I am here visiting I want more of your beautiful photographs :)
Anonymous said…
Gingerbread flavoured caramels? This has definitely won my vote - what a great idea!
El said…
These came out great. I really need to get into the kitchen and try these. Great pics!
Ago said…
fantassttiiicccc!!!!! Ashley this caramels look so so great...Wonderfull!!!:-D
I think to use them as Christmas gift!
Great Photo!
Kisses
Ago :-D
dessert girl said…
Oh, man, gingerbread caramels? Yes, please!
Chef Chuck said…
Hi Ash! I think these very unique caramels would fill those glass jars well!! The flavors are tempting! Gingerbread, I like it!
il ramaiolo said…
I love see your blog!!!! I can't learn but I can dream anything!!
Thank you so much!!By :-)
apparentlyjessy said…
Yuuuuuum, I think gingerbread caramels sound divine! Care to send some my way? lol
Emily said…
Hi Ash, I've just discovered your beautiful blog and I must say it's one of the loveliest. Correct me if I'm wrong but you write on your profile about self-teaching attempts into photography. Is there much left for you to learn because I can't imagine how you could improve these pictures?!
Lucy said…
These look like gorgeous gifts - I'm certain they would go down fabulously! Your photographs make them look even more beautiful: delicious.
Back in October I was on a caramel kick and really wanted to make something like this. I saw so many recipes full of inspiration - like your post here. But I think Christmas is the perfect time for caramels. Thanks for reminding me of them! :)
Rose said…
The caramels sound delicious, i love anything gingerbread flavoured, especially hot drinks!

Rose
Spiced Caramels for Christmas! Y-E-S! These look gorgeous and delicious. As you can see in the About section of my blog, caramel is one of my absolute LOVES.
Mini Baker said…
I just found your blog and I LOVE it! You've got some really yummy recipes, can't wait to browse! :)
-Mini Baker
ps. I'll be making these caramels.. TONIGHT!
Rose said…
oh wow, i cant believe you made your own caramels! Yum!

Rose
Anonymous said…
These sound delicious. I hope I can get it right; caramel and I have a bad relationship...

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