Licorice Caramels

I thought I would share this recipe with all of you. It is really YUMMY if you like black licorice. I made them for the first time last week and auctioned them off at our Angel Auction. Lots of people wanted them so I thought I would post the recipe. I got the recipe from my sister-in-law's mother. Hope you all enjoy!!

Licorice Caramels
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 ½ cups corn syrup
1 cup butter or margarine
2 cups sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons anise oil*
1 teaspoon black paste food color*

Line a 9x13" pan with plastic wrap; set aside. In a heavy 4-quart saucepan, combine condensed milk, corn syrup, butter, sugar and salt. Place over medium heat and stir with a wooden spoon until well-mixed.

Clip on candy thermometer. Cook, stirring constantly, to 235 degrees. Remove from heat and stir in flavoring and food color*; blend well. Without scraping, pour into prepared pan. Allow to stand at room temperature overnight. Cut into 1-inch squares. Wrap in waxed paper or plastic wrap. Makes 81 pieces.

* Anise oil can be found where candy making supplies are sold. I have found black gel food coloring works better than paste and will stay fresher longer. You can find it at Bakers Cash and Carry downtown.

**Instead of adding anise and black food coloring you can add vanilla and nuts for a nut caramel.