The following “CHEW THIS!” column originally appeared in “The Courier-Times” and / or “The Shelbyville News”. Check their websites for further information.

Microwave Sea Salt Caramels

Blaise Doubman 

I heard from so many of you from my previous “Cookie Spectacular” column, that I have to take a moment and recognize you. Thank you! So many of you have followed me for years and there is also so many that I am learning who have just discovered me. No matter if you are a long time loyal reader or someone fairly new to the game, welcome and I thank you so much for your dedication and support! Without you, there would be no this and without this there would be no me. Thank you. 

Carrying on to the recipe I am sharing today, you will really think this one is easy and delicious! Homemade caramels made right in your microwave! Can you believe that? Well, believe it because it is true. This recipe is technically for “sea salt” caramels but you can leave the sea salt off and simply just leave them as “caramels” if you wish. I pour mine into a larger dish because I like cutting them into squares and having a thinner caramel but feel free to do whatever you would like with them, depending on how thick you like your caramels and what shape. There is a method of rolling and cutting caramels that I have not yet perfected but if you have, use that method! No matter how you slice these, they are delicious and perfect for Holiday parties! 

Microwave Sea Salt Caramels

1 stick unsalted butter, melted
1 cup white granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Sea salt, for sprinkling

In a large microwave safe bowl combine the melted unsalted butter, white granulated sugar, light brown sugar, light corn syrup and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave on high 14 minutes, stirring the mixture about every 3 minutes.

Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Smooth out the top. Sprinkle with sea salt.

Place into the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Remove and place into the freezer for about 40 minutes. Remove and cut into pieces.

Ask and Answer: Lucy S. from New Castle would like to know if sifting dry ingredients together really makes a difference. Yes! But, I take a short cut and instead of sifting everything together with a sifter, I mix all of the dry ingredients in their bowl with a wire whisk. It basically does the same thing only faster and neater with less mess and utensils to clean up. Try it sometime!