Chocolate Caramels. Mrs. Ned Thatcher. Recipe

History of Chocolate Caramels:

Chocolate caramels are a delightful treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the sweetness of caramel. This delectable combination has been enjoyed by people around the world for many years. The recipe for chocolate caramels has evolved over time, with different variations and additions, resulting in a wide range of flavors and textures.

Caramels can be traced back to the 17th century when they were first created in France. They were traditionally made by heating sugar and water until it reached a high temperature, creating a smooth and velvety texture. Over time, ingredients such as butter, cream, and various flavorings were added to enhance the taste and texture of caramels.

The addition of chocolate to caramel was a brilliant innovation that transformed the classic caramel into a more indulgent and decadent treat. The rich and deep flavor of chocolate perfectly complements the sweet and buttery caramel, creating a match made in heaven.

Fun Facts about Chocolate Caramels:

- The word "caramel" is derived from the Latin word "cannamellis," which means "sugar cane honey."
- Caramel is a versatile confectionery that can be used in a variety of desserts, including cookies, cakes, ice creams, and more.
- Different countries have their variations of caramel candies, such as Britain's toffee and America's caramel chews.
- March 19th is National Chocolate Caramel Day, a day dedicated to celebrating this delicious combination.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for Mrs. Ned Thatcher's Chocolate Caramels:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup of sweet milk
- 2 cups of brown sugar
- 2 cups of molasses
- 1 pint of water
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- Flavoring of your choice (e.g., vanilla extract, sea salt)
- 2 ounces of chocolate (for melting just before taking from the fire)

Instructions:

1. Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients measured and ready to use.

2. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sweet milk, brown sugar, molasses, water, and butter. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil.

3. Once it starts boiling, lower the heat to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Cook the mixture until it reaches the desired consistency, which is usually around 248°F (120°C) on a candy thermometer or until it forms a soft ball when dropped into cold water.

4. Just before removing the caramel from the heat, add the 2 ounces of chocolate. Stir well until the chocolate is fully melted and incorporated into the caramel mixture.

5. At this point, you can add your desired flavoring to enhance the taste of the caramels. Popular options include a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of sea salt. Incorporate the flavoring into the caramel mixture and mix well.

6. Once everything is well combined, carefully pour the caramel mixture into a greased baking dish or onto a sheet of parchment paper. Allow it to cool completely before cutting into bite-sized pieces.

7. Wrap each chocolate caramel individually in wax paper or cellophane to keep them fresh and prevent them from sticking together.

Enjoy your homemade chocolate caramels as a sweet treat or give them as a thoughtful gift to friends and family!

Similar Recipe Dishes:

If you enjoy the combination of chocolate and caramel, you might also be interested in trying these delicious dishes:

1. Chocolate Caramel Tart: A decadent dessert that features a buttery crust filled with silky caramel and topped with a layer of glossy chocolate ganache.

2. Salted Caramel Brownies: Rich and fudgy brownies topped with a generous layer of homemade salted caramel sauce. The perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.

3. Caramel-Filled Chocolate Truffles: Indulge in bite-sized chocolate truffles filled with ooey-gooey caramel centers. These treats are perfect for special occasions or as a sweet gift.

4. Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake: A velvety smooth chocolate cheesecake topped with a layer of luscious caramel sauce. This dessert is a showstopper at any gathering.

Whether you prefer homemade caramels or enjoy exploring various chocolate caramel desserts, these recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with their irresistible flavors.