Apple Cider Caramels

These delicious caramels were a last minute addition to the pie weekend agenda and they were completely worth it! 

  

These start with simple ingredients, cider, butter, cream, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. We used spiced cider from Trader Joe's assuming that it would only add extra deliciousness.

 

Start by boiling the cider down for about 40 minutes. After you put the cider on the heat, you'll have about 5 minutes to prepare for the delectable scent of fall to permeate your entire house. Once it has boiled down to about 1/4 of what you started with, add all the other ingredients except the salt and cinnamon. Mix well.

Put back on the heat and attach your trusty candy thermometer.

 

When the thermometer reads 252 degrees (yes, I said 252, and I agree that it is a tad ridiculously precise, just get it as close as possible), remove the pot from the heat and quickly stir in the salt and cinnamon mixture you prepared earlier. 

 

Smooth the contents of the pot into a square 8x8 pan lined with parchment paper and let cool in the fridge for 1-2 hours. 

Turn the caramel slab onto a cutting board and carefully remove the parchment paper.

Prepare a knife by coating it with a light, flavorless oil - we used vegetable oil. You'll want to do this between each cut to avoid a sticky mess. 

Cut into 1" squares and store with wax paper. Enjoy! These are incredibly rich but great little treats to share with anyone who needs a little bit more fall spirit in their lives.