Vegan Coconut Caramel

1. Combine coconut milk, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons margarine, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Heat on low, watching carefully and stirring occasionally, until mixture registers 236 degrees F (113 degrees C) on an instant-read or candy thermometer. Remove from heat. Mix in any grease that separated from the mixture, or carefully pour it off.

Cook's Notes:

For homemade Twix(R) bars, drizzle caramel over the cookie of your choice, then coat with melted chocolate. For caramel apples, carefully caramel spoon over apples. For caramel candies, oil a 9-inch baking dish and dust with powdered sugar. A tiny muffin tin would also work. Pour in caramel and let cool. Sprinkle with chocolate chips or toffee pieces for an extra treat!

If you want a harder caramel, continue to heat until soft ball stage is reached (240 degrees F (115 degrees C)). For a dippable caramel, add a splash of soy milk after cooking.