How to make caramel

Easy and Delicious Caramel Recipe

Who doesn't love the sweet and rich aroma of caramel? This versatile ingredient can transform any dessert into a culinary masterpiece. Whether you're using it to glaze a cake, create a delicious sauce for ice cream, or simply indulge yourself, the caramel recipe you'll discover now is simple, quick, and, above all, delicious! In this recipe, I will guide you step by step on how to prepare perfect caramel, with a balanced taste and fantastic texture.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: Approximately 300 ml of caramel

Ingredients:
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 200 ml liquid cream (Hulala, Megle, Pilos)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- A pinch of salt (optional, but recommended to enhance the flavor)

A bit of history:
Caramel has a long history, being used for centuries in various cultures to add sweetness and flavor to dishes. Whether it’s candies, sauces, or desserts, caramel has found a place in the hearts of many chefs and sweet lovers. It’s fascinating how sugar, through a simple heating process, transforms into something so delicious!

Preparing the caramel:

1. Preparing the equipment: Make sure you have a long-handled saucepan (preferably with a double bottom for even heat distribution). This type of saucepan will prevent the sugar from burning and make the cooking process much simpler.

2. Melting the sugar: Add the sugar to the saucepan and place it over medium heat. Stir gently with a wooden spatula or spoon. You will notice how the sugar begins to melt and take on a golden color. Be careful! Don’t let it become too dark, as it will become bitter.

3. Adding the ingredients: Once the sugar has taken on an amber hue, remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the butter and stir well until completely melted. Then, add the liquid cream. Place the saucepan back on the heat at low temperature and stir gently with the spoon for about 5 minutes, until the caramel becomes smooth and shiny.

4. Cooling the caramel: Turn off the heat and add the salt. Let the caramel cool for 10 minutes at room temperature. Then, you can place the saucepan in a bowl of cold water to speed up the cooling process.

5. Mixing the caramel: Use a spoon and stir vigorously in a circular motion until the caramel starts to pop slightly. This step is essential for giving it the desired consistency, similar to commercial candy caramel.

6. Storing the caramel: Once you have achieved the desired texture, pour the caramel into a clean jar and let it cool completely. It will thicken as it cools, but if you want to return it to a liquid form, you can gently heat it in a bowl of hot water.

Practical tips:

- The color of the caramel: The color of the caramel is an indicator of its taste. The lighter it is, the sweeter it will be. A darker shade can add a more pronounced flavor, but be careful not to reach a burning point.

- Cream: Make sure the cream is at room temperature before adding it to the caramel. This helps prevent sugar crystals from forming.

- Variations: You can experiment with different flavors by adding vanilla extract or a splash of liqueur after the caramel has cooled slightly.

- Combinations: Caramel pairs perfectly with a variety of desserts, such as ice cream, chocolate cakes, or even fresh fruits. You can use it as a glaze for a tart or add it to coffee for a sweet and sophisticated taste.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Why did the caramel crystallize?
- This can happen if the sugar was stirred too much during melting or if other impurities entered. Make sure to use a clean spatula and don’t stir too much.

2. Can I use brown sugar?
- Yes, brown sugar will give the caramel a deeper flavor and a darker color. You can use brown sugar or a mix of white and brown sugar for a more complex-tasting caramel.

3. How can I store the caramel?
- Caramel can be stored in an airtight jar at room temperature for a few weeks. If you want to keep it longer, you can store it in the fridge, but make sure to reheat it before use.

Personal note:
I fondly remember the moments spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, who made caramel from a simple recipe but with a lot of love. Every time I smell the aroma of caramel, I am transported back to those days, and now I can share this wonderful recipe with you.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to try making this delicious caramel. Whether you use it to indulge your taste buds or impress your loved ones, I’m sure the result will be truly spectacular! Bon appétit!