HOSTESS CARAMELS

By pbaumgartner

When our parents made caramels, we knew Christmas was just around the corner.

Ingredients

• 2 c. granulated sugar
• 1/2 lb. butter
• 1 3/4 c. white corn syrup
• 14 1/2 oz. can unsweetened evaporated milk

Preparation

Step 1

Place ingredients in saucepan and cook on high heat for about 5 minutes, or till candy thermometer reaches 210º. Then turn to medium heat and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until a sample tested in cold water forms a firm ball (244º). Remove from burner and add:

1 1/2 Tbs. vanilla
1 cup chopped nut meats, if desired

Stir quickly, and pour into a buttered pan. When thoroughly cold, turn out and cut into squares. Wrap each square in waxed paper.

*For chocolate caramels, add 3 squares of unsweetened chocolate to other ingredients before cooking.