Best Martha Stewarts Classic Caramel Candies Recipes

Maple Walnut Spice Caramel Candies image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Time 8h30m

Yield Makes approximately 120

Number Of Ingredients 13

Vegetable oil, for baking sheet
2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups packed light-brown sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
A pinch of cayenne pepper
2 cups toasted walnuts

Steps:

Lightly brush bottom and sides of a 9-by-13-inch rimmed baking sheet with oil. Line with parchment, leaving a 2-inch overhang on long sides; lightly brush parchment with oil.
Bring cream, sugar, butter, maple syrup, and corn syrup to a boil in a large saucepan over high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium-high; cook, stirring occasionally, until caramel reaches 248 degrees on a candy thermometer, about 15 minutes.
Immediately remove caramel from heat, and stir in salt, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cayenne pepper, and walnuts. Pour caramel onto baking sheet, and let stand, uncovered, at room temperature at least 8 hours and up to 1 day.
Lifting by parchment overhang, transfer caramel to a large cutting board. Cut into 3/4-by-1 1/4-inch pieces; wrap each piece in waxed paper or cellophane.

Candy Apples image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Yield Makes 6 medium or 12 mini candy apples

Number Of Ingredients 6

Unsalted butter, for parchment paper
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon red food coloring, (optional)
6 medium apples, or 12 lady apples

Steps:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; butter parchment, and set aside. In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, 3/4 cup water, corn syrup, and food coloring, if using. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to medium-high. Insert candy thermometer and continue to boil until temperature reaches between 300 degrees and 310 degrees (hard crack stage), about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple, pushing about halfway through; set aside. When mixture reaches temperature, immediately remove from heat. Working quickly, dip apples in sugar mixture until completely coated. Transfer to prepared baking sheet; allow to cool.