Condensed Milk Caramels

Delicious Condensed Milk Caramels

Who doesn't love caramels? There are few people who would answer this question with anything other than a big 'YES!'. The sweet taste of caramels, especially those made with milk, reminds us of happy moments from childhood when every flavor was a little adventure. Often, store-bought caramels are just a shadow of our memories, with a sticky texture that feels more like a crumbly candy than the delight we seek. So why not roll up our sleeves and make our own condensed milk caramels that bring us joy and sweet memories?

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Number of Servings: About 20 caramels

Ingredients you need:
- 1 can of condensed milk (about 397 g)
- 25 g sugar (preferably white or brown sugar for a more complex flavor)
- 80 g butter (preferably at room temperature for quicker melting)

A Bit of History and Nutritional Benefits:
Caramels have long been a symbol of joy and celebration. These sweets have been made in various forms and with different ingredients, but condensed milk caramels are truly special due to their creamy texture and rich flavor. Condensed milk adds a note of natural sweetness, while butter contributes to a soft and velvety consistency. Nutritionally, condensed milk caramels are a quick source of energy due to their sugar and fat content.

Step by Step to Make Delicious Caramels:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand and set aside a small tray or a straight-bottomed container lined with baking paper. This will be where you pour the mixture.

2. Boil the Condensed Milk: In a medium-sized saucepan, pour in the can of condensed milk. Choose a larger pot because the mixture will boil and bubble. Add the sugar and mix well.

3. Bring to a Boil: Place the pot over medium heat and wait for it to reach boiling point. When it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low.

4. Stir Constantly: Use a wooden spoon to stir continuously. This step is crucial to avoid burning the mixture. Keep stirring, scraping the mixture from the bottom of the pot and the sides.

5. Add the Butter: After about 10-15 minutes of stirring, when the mixture becomes thicker, add the butter. Stir until it is fully incorporated.

6. Consistency Test: After another 10-15 minutes, it’s time to test the consistency. Take a teaspoon of the mixture and place it in a glass of cold water. Wait a few seconds, then take it out and check the texture. If it forms a soft ball that can be easily shaped, it’s ready.

7. Pouring into the Tray: Once the mixture is perfect, carefully pour it into the prepared tray. Use a spatula to smooth it out.

8. Cooling: Let the caramels cool at room temperature for a few hours until they become firm. If you want to speed up the process, you can place them in the fridge.

9. Cutting: Once they have completely cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into pieces. You can divide them into cubes or more interesting shapes, depending on your preferences.

10. Serving and Storing: Caramels are perfect to enjoy alongside a cup of coffee or tea. You can give them as sweet gifts or place them in a bowl on the table for everyone in the family to enjoy. If you want to store them, place them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Practical Tips:
- Using a kitchen thermometer can be very helpful to check the temperature of the mixture. Ideally, it should reach around 115-120°C.
- For an even more special flavor, you can add aromas such as vanilla or real rum essence to the mixture.
- If you want a healthier version, you can replace the sugar with maple syrup or honey, but the texture may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What can I do if the caramels don’t set? If the mixture is still too liquid, you can leave it on the heat for a few more minutes, stirring constantly.
2. Can I use unsweetened condensed milk? It is recommended to use sweetened condensed milk to achieve that characteristic sweetness of caramels.
3. How can I customize the recipe? You can add various ingredients such as chopped nuts, chocolate, or coconut flakes to the caramel mix before pouring it into the tray.

Condensed milk caramels are not just a simple recipe, but also a way to evoke memories and bring a smile to your face. So enjoy the cooking process and savor every piece!