Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Special Equipment Needed:
- Candy thermometer
- Medium-sized saucepan
- Whisk
- Heat-resistant spatula
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk until it melts and turns amber in color.
3. Once the sugar has melted, add the butter to the pan and whisk until it is fully incorporated.
4. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sea salt.
6. Pour the caramel onto the prepared baking sheet and let it cool for at least 30 minutes.
7. Once the caramel has cooled, use a sharp knife to cut it into small pieces.
8. Serve and enjoy!
Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 20 pieces of caramel.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 100
Total fat: 7g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 120mg
Total carbohydrates: 10g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Brown sugar can be used instead of granulated sugar.
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter.
- Half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream.
- Kosher salt can be used instead of sea salt.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to the caramel mixture before pouring it onto the baking sheet.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled caramel for a chocolate-covered caramel treat.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel mixture for a warm, spicy flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Be sure to stir the sugar constantly while it is melting to prevent it from burning.
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the caramel reaches the correct temperature.
- Let the caramel cool completely before cutting it into pieces to prevent it from sticking to the knife.
Storage Instructions:
Store the caramel in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat the caramel, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it for 10-15 seconds, or until it is soft and pliable.
Presentation Ideas:
Arrange the caramel pieces on a platter and sprinkle them with additional sea salt for a beautiful presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle the caramel with chopped nuts or drizzle it with melted chocolate for a delicious garnish.
Pairings:
Serve the caramel with a glass of red wine or a cup of coffee for a perfect pairing.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve the caramel with fresh fruit or a cheese plate for a delicious side dish.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the sugar starts to clump while melting, continue to stir it until it melts completely.
- If the caramel is too hard, microwave it for a few seconds to soften it.
Food Safety Advice:
- Be careful when working with hot sugar, as it can cause serious burns.
- Always use a candy thermometer to ensure that the caramel reaches the correct temperature.
Food History:
Caramel has been enjoyed for centuries, with evidence of caramel-making dating back to the 17th century.
Flavor Profiles:
This recipe combines the rich, sweet flavor of caramel with the savory taste of sea salt for a delicious flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the caramel as a sweet treat after dinner or as a snack throughout the day.
Related Categories
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Taste: Sweet, Salty, Caramelized, Rich