Spiced Apple Cider Vinegar Caramels

It is no secret that caramel has been my latest food obsession. I have been savoring each piece of chewy candy bliss. This recipe for Spiced Apple Cider Vinegar Caramels has been in the works for months. I have been balancing the ingredients and perfecting the cooking method to make a soft, melt in your mouth caramel.

The apple cider vinegar doesn’t add to the flavor, it is more to cut through the extreme caramelly sweetness. Adding a small amount of cinnamon gives the caramel just a touch of holiday spice. These or my Eggnog Caramels would make perfect homemade gifts.

Recipe adapted from Joy of Baking

Ingredients:1 & 1/2 cups Cream
3/4 cup White Sugar
3/4 cup Brown Sugar
1 tsp Salt
1 Tb Vanilla
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
3 Tb Apple Cider Vinegar
(I use Bragg ACV)

Begin heating the apple cider vinegar in a large saucepan over medium/low heat. While the vinegar is reducing, mix together cream, white sugar, brown sugar and salt. After five minutes the vinegar should be a darker color and cooked down to about one tablespoon. Increase the heat to medium and add the cream and sugar mixture to pan. Stir continuously until the liquid begins to boil. Stop stirring and attach your candy thermometer.While the caramel is boiling, line an 8×8 pan with buttered foil. Stir together the vanilla and cinnamon and set aside. Dip a heat resistant brush into water and wipe down the sides of the pan to remove any sugar crystals. Once the caramel reaches 237 degrees F remove from heat. (For firm caramels, heat to 245 degrees F) Quickly and carefully stir in the vanilla and cinnamon mixture. Pour into the buttered pan and cool in the refrigerator overnight.

Once the caramel has completely cooled, remove the entire block including the foil. Flip upside down on a buttered cutting board. Run a sharp knife under hot water then dry and coat with butter. Cut caramels to desired shape and size. Wrap pieces in wax paper and eat within a week or two. These are soft caramels that need to be stored in the refrigerator.

Package the paper-wrapped caramels in a jar, box or tin and give as a beautiful and mouthwatering homemade gift that your loved ones will surely adore.