Homemade Caramel

Soft, chewy, rich tasting caramel candy. This is so much better than what you can buy at the store. Although it does take a bit of time to make, it is totally worth doing!

 Ingredients

2 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. corn syrup
1 c. evaporated milk
2 c. whipping cream
1 c. butter
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Directions

Line a 12 x 15-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, evaporated milk, whipping cream and butter.

Stirring constantly, cook over medium heat until the mixture registers 250° on a candy thermometer.  This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour. It is important to stir constantly, otherwise the caramel will burn on the bottom of the pan, and you will have black clumps in the candy mixture. Remove from heat.

Stir in vanilla.  

Pour into prepared pan, spreading the mixture out, so it is even. Set aside to cool.  If you live in a cool climate, place the pan outside or in your unheated porch.  

Cut into squares when cool.  Wrap them in wax paper for longer storage if desired.

Notes:

You will want to make sure that your candy thermometer is accurate. To test it, bring a pot of water to a boil. The thermometer should read 212°.  If it does not, adjust the reading by adding or subtracting degrees, so it will be accurate.