Molasses Caramels

Name: Molasses Caramels
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 81 caramels, 9 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 cup molasses; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla

Submitted by nleewebb

"A sweet tidbit to add to Christmas gift baskets!"

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Ready In:: 55mins
Ingredients:: 4
Yields:: 81 caramels
Serves:: 9

ingredients

1 cup molasses
1 cup sugar
¹⁄₂ cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla

directions

Prepare a 9-inch square pan: line with foil and use an additional teaspoon of soft butter to 'grease' thoroughly.
Combine molasses, butter and sugar in a 2-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Cover and continue to cook over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes to wash down sugar crystals from sides of pan. Uncover and cook, without stirring, until mixture reaches hard ball stage (260°). If you don't have a candy thermometer, drop a small amount into a cup of cold water. If it doesn't immediately harden, continue cooking and test again.
Stir in one teaspoon of vanilla.
Remove from heat, and beat with a wooden spoon until mixture is creamy and begins to thicken. Working rapidly, spread mixture in a buttered 8- inch square pan.
Mark top of warm candy into 1-inch squares, using a sharp knife. Cool completely before cutting into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in waxed paper, twisting ends, or wrap in plastic wrap.