Candy making is a fascinating process. It's really a lesson in chemistry. Watching what different temperatures do to sugar is something I never learned in chemistry class in high school ( which I barely got through, by the way).
One essential component of candy making is patience- not something I've won prizes for in the past! Having made caramels before ( apple cider caramels by Smitten Kitchen) and Fleur de Sel Spirals ( by Gesine Bullock-Prado), I knew the process and developed some of that precious "patience" thing. Believe me, it's worth it. Temperature, time and keeping an unflinching eye on everything, make the difference between a success and a hot mess of either undercooked or burned (smelly and smokey) sugar. ( and a nasty clean-up as well)
This recipe from Baked Elements is easy to follow and the results are scrumptious. I had a bit of trouble removing the tin foil from the caramels, even though I sprayed it as directed. To resolve that problem, I stuck them in the freezer for about 20 minutes and other than a few stray pieces, managed to get it all off. Wrapping took a long time but the results are so fun to look at, not to mention the great taste. They're soft, very caramelly(? is that a word?) and just melt in your mouth. I packaged them in pink Chinese food type boxes, ready to give as gifts.
I had a bit of trouble with the foil as well. But I found that letting it sit for a bit to warm up helped me to get all the foil off the caramel. I really was concerned that it would just stick.
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy these a lot....way more than I thought I would.
Mine were a fail, but I used the non-stick Reynold's wrap foil and they came right out... only hard-ish! Lol... Live and learn. Yours look scrumptious. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful candies and what a great packaging idea. Enjoyed your post.
ReplyDeleteI love the boxes! And I covet your beautiful sheet pan. It looks well-loved.
ReplyDeleteYour caramels look perfect & I love your packaging idea! We should have been a bit more patience...but they taste delicious!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great gift idea!
ReplyDeleteDidn't think to use my non-stick reynolds, but yes, I'd use something else next time. Yours turned out beautiful!
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