![Soft Apple-Cider Caramels](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.foodandwine.com/thmb/LcdL-KemhVS2ccWGKTeeZxc67f0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/201212-xl-soft-apple-cider-caramels-02e68b498af64bcc84a60f3d8651fc5e.jpg)
Ingredients
-
2 quarts apple cider
-
3 cups heavy cream
-
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
-
4 cups sugar
-
3/4 cup light corn syrup
-
1/4 cup water
-
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
-
1 stick cold unsalted butter, diced
-
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
-
Pinch of ground allspice
-
Pinch of ground cloves
-
Neutral oil, such as canola or grapeseed, for brushing
Directions
-
In a large saucepan, simmer the apple cider over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until reduced to 1 cup, about 1 hour. Pour the reduced cider into a bowl.
-
Line a 9-by-13-inch rimmed pan with foil and coat the foil with nonstick cooking spray. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and condensed milk and bring to a simmer over moderate heat; keep the mixture warm over low heat.
-
In another large saucepan, combine the sugar with the reduced apple cider, corn syrup, water and salt and bring to a boil. Simmer over moderate heat until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Carefully whisk in the butter until melted. Gradually whisk in the warm cream mixture until incorporated. Cook over moderately low heat, stirring frequently, until a golden caramel forms and the temperature reaches 245° on a candy thermometer, about 45 minutes. Stir in the cinnamon, allspice and cloves and scrape the caramel into the prepared pan. Let cool completely, then refrigerate the caramel overnight.
-
Lightly brush a sheet of parchment paper with oil. Invert the caramel onto the parchment and peel off the foil. Using a sharp knife, cut the caramel into 1-inch-wide strips, then cut the block crosswise into 1/2-inch rectangles. Wrap each caramel in a square of parchment paper or a candy wrapper and twist the ends to seal. Serve or pack the caramels into boxes.
Make Ahead
The wrapped caramels can be stored in a cool spot or refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. The uncut caramel can be tightly wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for up to 2 weeks; cut just before serving.