Sunday, January 3, 2010

SMS: Chocolate Creme Caramels



The Sweet Melissa Sundays group’s winter break is over and we’re back with Chocolate Crème Caramels, selected by the spirited and entertaining Jeannette of The Whimsical Cupcake. A few weeks ago Jeannette made a call for unattractive baked goods on her site and I told her I’d see what I could come up with. I generally don’t have too many disastrous baked goods (and if I don’t I’m too vain to photograph and post the evidence, though there were these cookies that looked nothing like the rest of the other TWD bakers’), but where I often have trouble is candy. Fortunately, I did not this time around, but last January (coincidentally my first post of 2009) when I made Fleur de Sel caramels, I completely burned the first batch beyond hope and posted a picture, so in honor of it being Jeannette’s week to host SMS, I am recycling that photo.


Though it felt like it took forever for the caramel to come to its prescribed temperature of 248 degrees (firm-ball stage), this was an easy and stress-free candy-making experience. Oh, and I did have to change pots in the middle of the process. I was making a half-batch and the caramel seemed to triple in size somewhere around 200 degrees, so I poured it into a larger pan in order to prevent overflow and a sticky stove. Aside from the pan size, the only thing I’d do differently next time is make them before the holidays rather than after, so I could share them with my family – they’re dangerously good! Although, then I would have had to individually wrap the caramels, so I guess it’s a draw.





This recipe rated a 9 for Deliciousness and a 2.5 for Effort, giving it an EDR of 3.6. Many thanks to Jeannette for getting the group off to a great start for 2010. You can find the recipe on Jeannette’s site and visit the SMS blogroll to see what the rest of the bakers thought of this treat.

16 comments:

Hanaâ said...

Very pretty, Margot. Great job! I'm assuming you sprinkled them with Fleur de Sel. I thought about using that too, but looked and looked and just couldn't find it. I must have misplaced them after getting my new kitchen. Doh! I'm glad you liked them. I did too. Now I wish I had made more than just a 1/4 recipe :o) I will definitely make these again.

spike. said...

those look amazing! I did not have your success and I'm jealous.

Jessica said...

What lovely caramels! They're so perfect and shiny. I wrapped mine in waxed paper, which is great for gift giving, but it completely takes away the shiny candy effect. Nice work!

Lulu the Baker said...

I sprinkled mine with salt too! So amazing! I cut all of my wax paper too small, so I made my husband wrap all of the caramels like little presents and tape them shut! Now I know for next time! Happy New Year!

Unknown said...

Your caramels look so good Margot!! I love that you included the picture of last year's disastrous candy-making experience too :) It seems that everyone has mentioned the long time to get the caramel to temperature so at least we were all in the same boat. I totally agree about making these before Christmas next time - I haven't been able to figure out what to do with all of mine!

Kayte said...

Wow, those look so perfectly perfect. You are so good at all this candy business.

Susan said...

Wow! Your caramels look perfect! And delicious! I passed on this one...have to start cutting back as the budget is suffering as well as my waistline! :)

Anonymous said...

These look so nice! Candy is kind of scary for me, but I'm going to have to try making some caramels soon.

Fit Chick said...

Perfect looking caramels! Glad they turned out for you and you enjoyed them. I sent all of mine to work with DH, out of site out of mouth, LOL.

k.a.r.e.n said...

That first photo is sexy! Love it. Great job!

Megan said...

Wow - those do look dangerously delicious! It's times like this when I wish I still participated in SMS -

Anonymous said...

Hi Margot!

How are you? I hope you had a wonderful holiday season :) Your caramels look absolutely gorgeous, and I'm glad this batch was a soaring success!

So I hear someone around here is a birthday girl this week! Wanted to wish you a beautiful day- have a blast celebrating, and enjoy every bite of your Sky High cake (everything I've made from that book has been fantastic, so I can't wait to see what you chose!) I'm looking forward to another fabulous year of baking and blogging together in 2010! Hope you're doing well- have a great week and I'll talk to you soon!

<3,
Joy

Sarah said...

Beautiful caramels, beautiful photos! I kind of forgot to make these, and seeing yours is really making me wish I hadn't... I'm hoping to get to them sometime soon... In the meantime, I need to remember that SMS has started up again!

Leslie said...

I've been seeing these caramels all over and they're really calling my name. I love how perfectly angular yours are...I can never cut anything that straight!

Anonymous said...

HAHAHAHAHA oh thank you for recycling that picture! That just about made my day!

And oh my what pretty caramels!! Thank you for "baking" along with me. I'm glad it worked out for you!

Nancy/n.o.e said...

Ha! You got fleur de sel caramels after all. I love how perfect these look. I hope to tackle caramels in 2010.