Licorice Caramels

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Sugar - 500 grams
2. Water - 200 milliliters
3. Licorice extract or licorice root powder - 2 tablespoons
4. Sea salt - 1 teaspoon
5. Vanilla extract or almond extract - 1 teaspoon (optional)
6. Food-grade colored sugar crystals or liquid food coloring - for color (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar and water.
2. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it caramelize until it turns a deep amber color. This is where the dish gets its name from.
4. Once the caramel is ready, add licorice extract or licorice root powder, sea salt, and vanilla extract (if using). Stir well to combine.
5. Add colored sugar crystals or food coloring if desired for color. Stir gently.
6. Pour the caramel into a lined baking sheet or container to set. Let it cool completely before breaking into pieces.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Each caramel will have approximately 100-120 calories depending on the size and ingredients used.
• Carbohydrates, fats, and protein content will vary based on the exact ingredients and preparation method followed.

Dish Characteristics:

• Unique flavor combination of licorice and caramel with a sweet and slightly bitter taste.
• Colorful and appealing to the eye due to the natural caramel color and optional colored sugar crystals or food coloring.
• Perfect for movie nights, as a dessert or candy treat.

User Comments:

1. "Love the combination of licorice and caramel! This dish is unique and tastes amazing."
2. "The caramels were a hit at my party! Everyone loved the unique flavor."
3. "I added some sea salt flakes to enhance the flavor of licorice and it really worked wonders."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• When caramelizing sugar, be careful not to let it burn as it can result in an unpleasant taste.
• Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.
• Store the caramels in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.