36. Microwave Homemade Caramel Chews

When I made these, they came out a bit too soft for my liking, so I would try adding a bit more sugar to the following amounts.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup butter
1 (4 oz) cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 can sweetened condensed milk, about 3/4 cup
1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla

DIRECTIONS:

Generously butter the bottom of an 8 inch square microwave sage baking pan (porcelain works).  Add nuts.  Shake pan to settle the nuts into an even layer.  Put remaining butter and corn syrup in a 2 quart microwave safe bowl.  Microwave on high power for 2 minutes or until butter melts.  Add condensed milk, brown sugar, and vanilla.  Stir to smoothly blend.  Microwave at medium power for 8-10 minutes, stirring well every minute or so, until mixture has a thick, caramel consistency.  (Watch closely because you will constantly have to mix every few seconds to release steam to prevent it from boiling over) Pour mixture over nuts in pan.  Tilt pan so caramel flows over nuts in an even layer.  Let cool in refrigerator at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.