I've been meaning to try making my own caramels, but haven't yet. I've heard they are wonderful. I've made caramel from Eagle Brand milk when I needed some for a recipe, seemed easier than unwrapping dozens of caramels & melting them. I know you can make that with a microwave, but seems like you have to stand over it about 30 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes or so. I just make mine several cans at a time in a pot of boiling water. Yes, I know it is dangerous to boil them in the can, but I've never had a problem & seems to be the easiest way for me. I am careful with that technique. I think you should try homemade caramels & let me know how it does, then maybe I'll get the nerve to try :)

I haven't made caramels in the micro but I found the recipe you are talking about and it sure looks good to me. Let us know when you try it.

Lee

For anyone who wants to get ahead of my attempt, here is the link...Microwave Caramels .

Caramel is much better when made with cream instead of sweetened condensed milk. Here's the recipe I use (you can omit the chocolate and pecans). It is by far the best caramel I have ever tasted, but it doesn't stay very firm. Since I use it only as a filling, this is not a problem, but if you want to make squares, you would have to keep them chilled. However, a candy thermometer is essential for this recipe IMO, although Ann makes a similar recipe and uses firm ball stage test instead.

Lars

Lars, Thanks for sharing your recipe. I agree with your opinion about using cream, and since I've been having a caramel craving may just have to try your recipe soon...

I made the microwave caramels today and was very pleased with the results. I've made lots of other candies before (toffee, brittle, etc...)the traditional way and this was by far the easiest. Just throw everything into the micro and press start. Here's a pic....Happy Holidays to everyone!

Oh dear, oh dear...I'd forgotten about this.

Dick is already asking if it's Hog Killin' time soon...

They DO look delicious and I'm glad to know it works, esp when a recipe calls for 40 caramels and Who Wants To Unwrap THAT Many????

Tracey, those look delicious! Now I want to try them too...it looks like I may have to make more than one recipe for taste testing.

Maureen, I'm with you about unwrapping caramels!

I saved this to try also. Your caramels look wonderful Tracey. Is a 2 quart pyrex measure large enough to do this in? What did you use?

Thanks,

Lee

Thanks for the compliments! They really did turn out well especially for so little effort. Lee, I used my Pampered Chef 2 quart batter bowl to make them in. I have a lower wattage (850 watt) micro, so I used the five minute intervals. Now off to make some toffee!

Tracey

Thanks Tracey, now that I know a 2 quart bowl is big enough, I'll try it too. All my bowls that are larger than that are stainless.

I hope you'll show us your toffee too!

Lee

I would really like to have a recipe for caramels very similar to knudson's specialty caramels.