Apple Cider Caramels

Sorry guys for not posting last week. I totally spaced it, so this week you'll have to stay tuned for my other recipe! It might be another candy recipe or maybe chicken, or even a pork recipe! That's all I'll give you for now! 

This recipe I found through a friend! She sent it to me and I couldn't help but try it!!! So I'm writing this as it sits in my fridge cooling.  It made my apartment smell so good that I really wanted to just try it when it was on the stove but with it being at about 244 degrees I thought it might hurt a bit... As for my roommates they were hovering over me just waiting for it to be done so we all could just munch on some really good caramels! Even my kitties were hovering around my legs waiting for me to drop some for them to munch on.... Sometimes I think they are dogs. Its true, they act more like begging dogs than kittens. Anyway, this recipe is from the blog, I heart Nap Time. Its a funny name I know but she is very insightful on making these caramels. She has many good tips and some awesome Pictures!

Ingredients

• 2 cups apple cider
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream divided
• pinch ground cloves
• 1 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 3 tbsp water
• 1/3 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup butter cubed

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, boil apple cider for 20-30 minutes or until it is reduced down to 1/3 cup. Set it aside to cool.
2. Line a 8x8 pan with parchment paper. Coat with a bit of cooking spray and set aside.
3. In a small bowl, combine 2/3 cup whipping cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and reduced apple cider. Set aside.
4. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, 1/3 cup whipping cream, water, and corn syrup. Cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves (about 5-10 minutes). Insert a candy thermometer and simmer until the syrup reaches 230 degrees.
5. Remove pan from heat and whisk in the cider and cream mixture. Add the butter and combine until fully incorporated. Return the pan to heat and re-insert candy thermometer. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the temperature reaches 244 degrees. Once temperature reaches 244 degrees, cook for 2 minutes longer.
6. Remove from heat and pour the caramel into the prepared pan. Let the mixture cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
7. Once cooled, cut the caramels into squares or rectangles and wrap each caramel in wax paper. Store in an airtight container or in the refrigerator. 

So My one mistake on this recipe was that I didn't have parchment paper so I thought if I buttered a pan that I could call it good... Well that didn't work. I got the caramels stuck to it. The best part is that it still worked out fine! all you had to do was press it into shape when you wrapped it in wax paper. As for that part I have a roll of wax paper so I just cup up some pieces and wrapped! I do know  at craft stores they have pre- cut wax papers that you can buy but I was lazy and didn't want to drive to the store when i could just cut it up. As for the flavor of this amazing caramel I loved it! I'm a major fan of anything apple so I don't think there's enough apple but its still really good! I don't know if my roommates liked it yet but when they bother get home I know they will have to try it! Again, I'm sorry about not posting last week. I will have another one up soon to fix that problem! Keep an eye out and I hope you try some of these recipes! I know you'll all love them!

Ta Ta for now,
Lil' Char