CARAMEL AND SEA SALT CHOCOLATE RECIPES

Steps:

• Butter an 8-inch square baking pan.
• Combine white sugar, 1/2 cup cream, light corn syrup, and butter in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring often. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup cream. Cook, without stirring, until mixture reaches 242 degrees (117 degrees C), or until a small amount of the caramel mixture forms a firm yet pliable ball when dropped in cold water. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla extract.
• Pour caramel mixture into baking pan. Allow to cool slightly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate, 8 hours to overnight.
• Remove baking pan from the fridge and allow caramel mixture to warm up slightly, about 30 minutes. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.
• Combine dark and semisweet chocolate chips with shortening in a microwave-safe glass or ceramic bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each melting, about 1 1/2 minutes.
• Cut caramel into 1-inch squares. Dip caramel squares in melted chocolate, shaking off excess. Place on lined baking sheet; sprinkle with sea salt. Chill until hardened, about 1 hour.

Steps:

• Line 9-inch square pan with aluminum foil, extending over edges. Butter bottom and sides of foil.
• Combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and sweetened condensed milk in heavy 3-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a boil.
• Cook 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until candy thermometer reaches 240°F-242°F or small amount of mixture dropped into cold water forms soft pliable ball. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Pour into prepared pan. Cool 2 hours at room temperature until set.
• Combine chocolate chips and whipping cream in bowl. Microwave 1-2 minutes, stirring every 15 seconds, until chocolate is melted. Spread mixture evenly over caramels. Cool 5 minutes; sprinkle with sea salt. Refrigerate until completely cooled.
• Remove caramels from pan using foil; remove foil. Cut into 1-inch squares with sharp knife. Wrap caramels in candy wrappers or waxed paper. Store refrigerated. Remove from refrigerator 10 minutes before serving.