Ingredients
- Vanilla Bean Caramels with Fleur de Sel
- Yield: 64 caramels
- Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 vanilla bean pod, split lengthwise and scraped
- 1 1/4 tsp. fleur de sel, plus more for sprinkling
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
Preparation
Step 1
Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Lightly butter the parchment.
In a small saucepan or a heatproof measuring cup, combine the cream, butter, vanilla extract, vanilla bean seeds, and fleur de sel. Heat over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. (Alternatively, microwave until the butter is melted and the cream has come to a boil.) Remove from the heat and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved. Boil, without stirring but gently swirling the pan occasionally, until the mixture is a light golden caramel color.
Once the sugar has reached the desired amber color, carefully stir the warm cream mixture into the caramel in a steady drizzle down the inside of the pan – the mixture will bubble up, so pour slowly and stir constantly.
Continue simmering the mixture until it registers exactly 248˚ F on a candy thermometer*.
Immediately remove from the heat and pour into the prepared pan. Let cool for 30 minutes, then sprinkle lightly with additional fleur de sel. Continue to let sit until completely set and cooled. Cut into 1-inch pieces (a buttered pizza cutter works well). Wrap the individual caramels in small pieces of wax or parchment paper, about 4-inch squares.