Deliciously Simple Microwave Caramels

My Grandmother made homemade candy every year when I was growing up. I have delved into making fudge and a few other recipes, but as a busy Mom sometimes it's hard finding the time to make really good candy. My friend Kerry shared her recipe with me for Microwave Caramels! You heard it right, homemade caramels made in the microwave. Super easy, super delicious. Try this recipe, I promise you won't be disappointed :) This is one I will be making again and again. And since this pan is already gone, I will have to make more to actually hand out...

Ingredients:

1/2 lb (2 sticks) butter

1 cup brown sugar (I used dark)

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup light Karo syrup

1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Melt the butter in a 2 quart glass bowl. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, Karo syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir well, incorporating all ingredients until a smooth consistency.

Place the glass bowl on a large plate, and cook for 7 minutes on high power. Meanwhile butter a 9x13 pan.

Carefully remove caramel from the microwave and stir well again.

Return to the microwave and cook on high for another 7 minutes. It may boil over, which is why you want to put a plate underneath the bowl. Just let it continue cooking anyway.

When done carefully remove from the microwave, add the vanilla extract and stir.

Pour the caramel into the prepared pan. Cool. (I found that the caramel cuts easiest after about 2 hours)

Cut the caramels with a sharp knife to your desired size. I cut 1x1.5-2" rectangles.

Cut 3-4" strips of wax paper, stack together and then cut in half horizontally. So you will get two rectangles out of every strip. This size works perfectly for the 1x1.5-2" caramel rectangles.

Then wrap the caramels in wax paper. Lay the caramel in the middle of the wax paper rectangle on the bottom horizontal edge and roll it up to cover completely. Twist the ends to seal.