QUICK MICROWAVE CARAMELS

Ingredients

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

• ½ cup light corn syrup

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Flaky salt (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the dish
   Line a small loaf pan or 8×4-inch dish with parchment paper, letting the sides hang over for easy removal. Lightly butter the parchment.

2. Mix ingredients
   In a large microwave-safe bowl (at least 2 quarts — it will bubble up), combine:

   • butter

   • corn syrup

   • brown sugar

   • granulated sugar

   • sweetened condensed milk

   Stir until everything is blended.

3. Microwave in intervals
   Microwave 6 minutes total, stopping to stir every 2 minutes:

   • 2 minutes → stir

   • 2 minutes → stir

   • 2 minutes → stir

   (Microwaves vary: for firmer caramels, add 30–60 more seconds at the end.)

4. Flavor it
   Immediately stir in the vanilla extract. Be careful—it may bubble.

5. Pour and set
   Pour the hot caramel into the prepared dish.
   Sprinkle with flaky salt if desired.

6. Cool
   Allow to cool at room temperature for 1–2 hours, or refrigerate about 30–40 minutes until firm.

7. Cut and wrap
   Lift out using parchment, cut into squares, and wrap in wax paper.