NUTTY CHOCOLATE CARAMELS

Nutty Chocolate Caramels image

"My mother-in-law and her mother used this recipe and passed it on to me over 30 years ago," says Anita Gay of Janesville, Wisconsin. "The caramels make a great gift during the holidays."

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield 4 dozen (about 1-3/4 pounds).

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

2 teaspoons plus 1/4 cup butter, divided
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup cold water
1-1/2 cups sugar
3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup half-and-half cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts

Steps:

Line an 8-in. square pan with foil. Grease with 1 teaspoon butter; set aside. Butter the sides of a heavy saucepan with 1 teaspoon butter; add the corn syrup, water, sugar, chocolate, salt and remaining butter. Cook and stir over medium heat until smooth and blended, about 6 minutes. , Gradually stir in cream. Cook and stir until a candy thermometer reads 245° (firm-ball stage), about 25 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla and walnuts. Pour into prepared pan. , Cool; cut into squares. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator. Remove from the refrigerator 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 74 calories, Fat 3g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 5mg cholesterol, Sodium 45mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.