Microwave Salted Butter Caramel

I'm not gonna lie to you. Every once in a while, I eat cheap store cookies. I'm not talking Oreos, here. I mean those really cheap $2 giant store brand packs that are so full of artificial ingredients that you can practically feel your body getting preserved with each bite. And yet, I still give in. But when you're craving something fast and good, you can't beat homemade. I don't think I need to convince you of that.

I'm sure at this point your eyes are rolling around in your head, totally unconvinced that something so delicious as homemade caramel could actually be fast and easy. But it's true, my dear friends! Take 10 minutes and give this a try. You, and everyone around you, won't be sorry!

Microwave Salted Butter Caramels [click to print]
Makes about 3 dozen caramels

• 1/2 c. granulated sugar
• 1/2 c. brown sugar
• 1/2 c. corn syrup
• 1/2 c. sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 c. salted butter, melted
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. coarse salt

1) Line square pan with parchment paper, allowing at least 2" overhang on each side of pan. For normal caramels, use 8x8" pan, or 6x6 for thicker caramels. If you're going to sub foil for parchment, be sure to coat foil surface very generously with nonstick cooking spray.

2) In a large microwave safe bowl (emphasis on the large...this mixture will bubble up a lot as it's cooking so you'll want a bowl with taller sides), stir together sugars, syrup, milk, salt and butter until well combined.

3) Microwave on high for 6-8 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes for first six minutes, then each minute thereafter. For soft, chewy caramels, microwave 6-7 minutes. For firmer caramels (still chewy!) that hold their shape well, microwave 8 minutes.

3) Stir in vanilla and pour into pan. Sprinkle lightly with coarse salt and allow to cool until firm or place in refrigerator for about 1 hour. Remove caramel slab from pan by lifting parchment overhang. Use a sharp knife to cut caramel into small pieces and wrap in parchment paper or plastic wrap to store.

Source: Adapted from The Yummy Life