CARAMEL BUTTER RECIPES

Steps:

• Butter 13x9-inch pan; set aside.
• Combine all ingredients except vanilla in heavy 4-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 15-20 minutes or until butter is melted and mixture comes to a boil.
• Continue cooking 25-30 minutes or until candy thermometer reaches 244°F or small amount of mixture dropped into ice water forms a firm ball.
• Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Pour into prepared pan. Cool completely. Refrigerate 1 hour.
• Cut into 1 1/2x1-inch pieces; wrap candies in plastic food wrap. Store refrigerated.

Steps:

• Combine the sugar and water in a small, heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil, brush down the sides of the pan with water and boil until caramelized, 5-6 minutes. The sugar will be fragrant and have a deep amber color when it is caramelized.
• Remove the pan from the heat, slowly stir in the cream until smooth and let cool to room temperature.
• Blend together the caramel, butter, salt and vanilla in a medium-size bowl.
• This butter may be formed into a log and refrigerate until firm before slicing and serving.
• How to Form into a Log: Transfer the flavored butter to a sheet of parchment paper, roll tightly into a 1 1/2-inch-thick log (a straight edge is helpful for forming an even log), and twist both ends of the parchment paper to seal. Slip the log into a paper towel tube if you want it to be perfectly round, and refrigerate until firm. To serve, cut slices of flavored butter with a warm knife (simply run hot water over the blade and then wipe it dry).