Chewy Eggnog Caramels

Eggnog and Caramel, two holiday flavors that are meant to be together. Eggnog, sugar and vanilla boiled until they reach candy perfection. Wrap each divine piece in wax paper and place into a cute container for a thoughtful and delicious holiday treat.

I have been making Insane amounts of caramel lately as I try to perfect a different recipe. This eggnog caramel was a completely spontaneous kitchen experiment. Instead of cream I decided to use eggnog, and sure enough the end result was Amazing Eggnog Caramels.

Making caramels doesn’t require a ton of ingredients or steps. But, cooking the mixture to the perfect temperature can be tricky. Most recipes advise to boil until the liquid reaches 245 degrees F. However, after many failed attempts resulting in scorched unusable caramel, I began removing my caramel at 235-237 degrees F. My method results in a soft and chewy caramel that needs to be stored in the refrigerator. If you over cook caramel it scorches and cannot be salvaged. So, I’m cautious with my caramel and worst case scenario I remove from the heat too soon and have a delicious caramel sauce.

Ingredients:

1 & 1/2 cups Eggnog
1/2 cup Sugar
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla

In saucepan over medium heat: mix eggnog and sugars. Stir continuously until liquid begins to boil. Once boiling, stop stirring and attach your candy thermometer. While the caramel is cooking, line an 8×8 pan with foil and butter the foil (don’t skimp on the butter).

Dip a heat resistant brush into water and wipe down the sides of the pan to remove any sugar crystals. Once the caramel reaches 245 degrees F, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Pour into the buttered pan and let cool in the fridge for 5-6 hours or overnight.

To cut, remove the entire caramel block using the foil. Flip upside down on a flat cutting board and peel off the foil. Cut caramels into desired shape and size using a very sharp, buttered knife. Wrap your candies with wax paper and store in the refrigerator. Eat within a week or so, not that they last even that long around my house.