Super Easy Microwave Caramels

Perfect melt in your mouth caramels!
(So creamy and delicious and super easy to make.)

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter

parchment paper

2 sticks butter (1 cup)

1 cup packed brown sugar 

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
sea salt (optional)

wax paper

Method:

Line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper. Grease the paper with 1 tablespoon butter. 

Place 2 sticks of butter in a large (8 cup) glass measuring cup or bowl. Heat in microwave, for 20 second intervals, until the butter is completely melted.

Stir in sugars and syrup. Add milk and stir.

Microwave on high for 6  1/2 minutes. Remove from microwave and stir. Return to the microwave for another 6 1/2 minutes. Remove, add the vanilla and stir.

Immediately pour hot caramel into the prepared pan. If desired, lightly sprinkle the top of the caramel with sea salt. Allow to cool completely.

When cool, remove parchment and caramel from pan. Use a sharp knife to cut into 1 inch squares.

Wrap squares in pieces of wax paper, twisting the ends. Store in an airtight container. 

Makes about 80 caramels.

Notes:

I use a large measuring cup instead of a bowl, because the handle makes it easier to pour the hot caramel. (Be careful to use a potholder.) 
Surprisingly, a plastic knife works best to cut the caramels. (I used a tupperware brand frosting spreader.)
When packaged in clean jars or decorative tins, these caramels make a very nice gift for family and friends. 

When I lived in Northern California, my friend Becky Vaught would give me a small stash of homemade caramels, every Christmas. They were so incredible that I would hide them and secretly savor each one. This recipe makes caramels just as wonderful and creamy and they cook in the microwave!

Lovely, cheerful and generous Becky
 and her kind husband, Tony.