LUMP OF COAL CANDY

Lump of Coal Candy image

This dark caramel may look like coal, but it tastes like pure heaven! One bite and you'll beg Santa to stuff your stocking with this sinful delight.-Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield about 5 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 teaspoon plus 1 cup butter, divided
2 cups sugar
1-1/2 cups corn syrup
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon black food coloring, optional
1 package (12 ounces) dark chocolate chips
2 teaspoons shortening

Steps:

Line an 8-in. square dish with heavy-duty foil; butter foil with 1 teaspoon butter; set aside. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, milk, salt and remaining butter; bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir until a candy thermometer reads 244° (firm-ball stage)., Remove from the heat; stir in the walnuts, vanilla and food coloring if desired. Pour into prepared pan (do not scrape saucepan). Cool completely before cutting. Lift foil and candy out of pan; remove foil. Cut into 1-in. squares., In a microwave, melt chocolate and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip caramels in chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 131 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 52mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (14g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.