GINGERBREAD CARAMELS

Gingerbread Caramels image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Yield Makes about 12 1/2 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 12

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Vegetable-oil cooking spray
4 cups (2 pints) heavy cream
2 cups light corn syrup
4 cups granulated sugar
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Steps:

Lightly coat a 12-by-17-inch rimmed bakingsheet with cooking spray. Line with parchmentpaper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on shortsides; spray paper.
In a large pot over high heat, bring cream,corn syrup, sugar, butter, and molasses to a boil,stirring until sugar has dissolved. Continue tocook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently,until mixture reaches 248 degrees (firm-ball stage)on a candy thermometer, about 20 minutes.
Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla, salt, and spices. Immediately pour onto prepared sheet, without scraping pot. Let stand, uncovered, 24 hours at room temperature (do not move pan).
Generously coat a large cutting board with cooking spray. Lifting it by the parchment overhang, invert caramel onto the cutting board; use a sharp knife to loosen parchment, and remove. Cut into 1-by-1 1/4-inch pieces. Wrap each in cellophane or waxed paper.