BEER AND PRETZEL CARAMELS

Beer and Pretzel Caramels image

Beer and pretzels are a natural combination-mix them with smooth caramel and you have an awesome candy. The guys will go wild over these crunchy, chunky chews. -Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h50m

Yield about 3 pounds (81 servings).

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups miniature pretzels
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
CARAMELS:
4 cups dark beer
1 teaspoon plus 1 cup butter, divided
3 cups sugar
2/3 cup corn syrup
2 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Steps:

In a small bowl, combine sugar and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, combine the pretzels, oil and vanilla. Add sugar mixture; toss to coat. Transfer to a 15x10x1-in. foil-lined baking pan coated with cooking spray., Bake at 350° for 18-22 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool completely. Coarsely chop pretzels; set aside., In a large saucepan, bring beer to a boil; cook until reduced to 2/3 cup. Set aside to cool., Meanwhile, line a 9-in. square pan with foil; grease the foil with 1 teaspoon butter and set aside., In a Dutch oven, combine the sugar, corn syrup, 2/3 cup cream, water, salt and remaining butter. Cook and stir over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 238°, about 20 minutes. In a small bowl, combine reduced beer and remaining cream; slowly stir into sugar mixture., Using a pastry brush dipped in cold water, wash down the sides of the pan to eliminate sugar crystals. Cook, stirring constantly, until a candy thermometer reads 245° (firm-ball stage), about 30 minutes., Remove from the heat. Pour into prepared pan (do not scrape saucepan); sprinkle with candied pretzels and kosher salt. Let stand until firm, about 5 hours or overnight. Using foil, lift candy out of pan. Discard foil; cut candy into 1-in. squares using a buttered knife. Wrap individually in waxed paper; twist ends.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 90 calories, Fat 5g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 14mg cholesterol, Sodium 91mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.