Candy for Grown Ups: Salted Pumpkin Caramels

Making caramels is a bit of a project, but so worth the reward.  Can’t take credit for this one.  I used a reliable recipe from Food 52 (such a good web site, do you know it?).  Read the whole recipe through once or twice.  Have everything ready to go.  Buy yourself a candy thermometer.  Enjoy the process. This special, seasonal treat offers a delicious combination of sweet, salt, textures and colors.  They make a perfect addition to any fall gathering!

SALTED PUMPKIN CARAMELS

Yield: 64 1-inch square pieces

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup unsalted pepitas
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cups light corn syrup
• 1/3 cup good maple syrup
• 1/4 cup of water
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut in chunks
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 3/4 teaspoon fleur de sel [or sea salt]

Directions:

1. Dry toast the pepitas in a skillet until they start to pop.
2. Line the bottom and the sides of an 8-in square glass pan with parchment. Butter the parchment on the sides of the pan. Evenly spread out the toasted pepitas on the bottom of the pan, on top of the parchment.
3. In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, pumpkin puree and spices. Get this mixture quite warm, but not boiling. Set aside.
4. In a second heavy bottomed pan, with sides at least 4 inches high, combine the sugar, both syrups and water. Stir until the sugars are melted, then let it boil until it reaches 244 degrees (the soft ball point on a candy thermometer). Then very carefully add the cream and pumpkin mixture, and slowly bring this mixture to 240 degrees as registered on a candy thermometer. This can take a while — like 30 minutes — but don’t leave the kitchen, watch it carefully and stir it more frequently once it hits 230 degrees to keep it from burning at the bottom of the pan.
5. As soon as it reaches the 240, pull it off the heat and stir in the butter and lemon juice. Stir vigorously so that butter is fully incorporated.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Let cool 30 minutes and sprinkle the salt over the top. Let the caramels fully set (at least 2 hours) before using a hot knife to cut them into 1-inch squares and wrapping them individually in waxed paper.

Source: www.food52.com