Salted Caramel Chews

My husband is self employed.  He has several employees working for him.  For reasons unbeknownst to either of us, 2 of his long-time employees have left the company.  That means poor hubby has to pick up the slack and do the work of 3 people.  He has been working long days and nights, and he is often less than pleasant when he finally arrives home.

What does this have to do with cakes or baking you ask?  Well, I was just about to get to that part.  It doesn't really, but I found a recipe for caramel chews and wanted to try them.  I asked him sort of off the cuff if he liked them and he said yes.  Light bulb!  I can make these caramel chews to help cheer him up.  I mean, everyone drowns their sorrows in sugary goodness right?  Usually not my husband as he does not have a particularly sweet tooth.

Anyway, before I get myself off topic.  These caramel chews are pretty easy to make.

This picture was done in a hurry and absolutely does not do these things justice. I am not a big caramel fan, but I did sample one before I wrapped it.  The coarse salt makes something magical happen.

Here are the ingredients:

• 1½ sticks butter
• ½ cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla (optional)
• coarse sea salt

Here are the instructions:

1. In a medium sauce add butter and sugar and stir over medium heat until melted. Stir in corn syrup and condensed milk.
2. Bring to a boil and then decrease to simmer 7-10 minutes or until mixture achieves golden brown color, stirring constantly.
3. Poor caramel into a foil-lined 8 x 8 inch pan and allow to cool completely. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
4. When completely cooled, cut into squares and wrap in wax paper.