How to make Donna Hay’s chewy caramels with salted peanuts

These would make a great homemade Christmas gift.

Step away from the Quality Street and make these chewy little caramels instead…

Ingredients:

(Makes 50)

• 3 cups (420g) salted peanuts

• 1.1kg white (granulated) sugar

• 1.125 litres single (pouring) cream

• 1 cup (350g) golden syrup

• 100g unsalted butter, chopped

Method:

1. Line a 20cm x 30cm slice tin with non-stick baking paper. Sprinkle the base with half the peanuts and set aside.

2. Place the sugar, cream, golden syrup and butter in a large saucepan over high heat and stir with a metal spoon until the butter and sugar have melted. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring, for 20–25 minutes or until the temperature reaches 122°C (251°F) on a sugar (candy) thermometer. Working quickly, pour the caramel into the tin and carefully sprinkle with the remaining 1½ cups (210g) of peanuts. Allow to cool completely at room temperature for 3–4 hours. Refrigerate for 25–30 minutes or until firm.

3. Turn the caramel out onto a board and, using a large sharp knife, cut into pieces+. Wrap each caramel in brown wax paper, twisting the ends to seal. Keep refrigerated and bring to room temperature to serve.

+ If the caramel becomes too soft to cut, simply return it to the refrigerator for 5 minutes.

Tip: Store caramels, wrapped in paper, in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Photography: Chris Court

Styling: Steve Pearce

Recipe: DH Team

Christmas Feasts And Treats by Donna Hay, photography by Chris Court, William Meppem and Hugh Stewart, is published by Fourth Estate, priced £20. Available now.