We always made these during Christmastime growing up, so they are one of my favorites! I'm not a huge nut fan, but I LOVE these caramels, so don't let the nuts deter you!
Caramels
1 C. sugar
1/2 C. butter
1/2 C. corn syrup
1 C. thin cream (I just used whipping cream--not the heavy whipping cream)
1/3 C. chopped walnuts
Combine everything except nuts in a large saucepan. Boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, to firm ball stage (about 5-15 minutes)*. Remove from heat & stir in nuts. Pour into a buttered 8x8 pan. Let stand for several hours. Cut into squares & wrap in wax paper.
*I don't have a candy thermometer, so I use the cold water test. For best results, test your candy shortly before it reaches the minimum cooking time. Working quickly, drop a few drops of the hot mixture from a spoon into a cup of very cold (but not icy) water. With your fingers, form the drops into a ball. Remove the ball from the water. The firmness of the ball will indicate the temperature of the mixture. Firm ball stage is when the ball of candy is removed from the water & is firm enough to hold its shape, but quickly flattens at room temperature.
recipe from Mom
