Pay Day Candy Bar
- Centers
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 5 unwrapped caramels
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon peanut butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 20 unwrapped caramels
- 1 1/2 teaspoons water
- 2 cups dry roasted peanuts
- Combine all ingredients for the centers, except the powdered sugar, in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Stir often as the caramel slowly melts.
- When the mixture is smooth, add 3/4 cup of powdered sugar.
- Stir.
- Save the remaining 1/2 cup of powdered sugar for later.
- Use a candy thermometer to bring the mixture to exactly 230 degrees, stirring often, then turn off the heat.
- When the temperature of the candy begins to drop, add the remaining 1/2 cup powdered sugar to the pan, then use a hand mixer on high speed to combine.
- Keep mixing until the candy cools and thickens and can no longer be mixed.
- That should take a minute or two.
- Let the candy cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it can be touched.
- Don't let it sit too long- you want the candy to still be warm and pliable when you shape it.
- Take a tablespoon-size portion and roll it between your palms or on a countertop until it forms a roll the width of your index finger, and measuring about 4 1/2 inches long.
- Repeat with the remaining center candy mixture and place the rolls on wax paper.
- You should have 8 rolls.
- Let the center rolls sit out for an hour or two to firm up.
- Combine the 20 caramels with the 1 1/2 teaspoons of water in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Stir often until the caramels melt completely, then turn off the heat.
- If you work fast this caramel will stay warm while you make the candy bars.
- Pour the peanuts onto a baking sheet or other flat surface.
- Using a basting brush and working quickly,"paint" a coating of caramel onto one side of a center roll.
- Quickly turn the center over, caramel-side-down, onto the peanuts and press gently so that the peanuts stick to the surface of the candy.
- Paint more caramel onto the other side of the roll and press it down onto the peanuts.
- The candy should have a solid layer of peanuts covering all sides.
- If needed, brush additional caramel onto the roll, then turn it onto the peanuts to coat the roll completely.
- Place the candy bar onto wax paper, and repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Eat when completely cool.
centers, milk, caramels, light corn syrup, peanut butter, vanilla, salt, powdered sugar, caramels, water, peanuts
Taken from www.food.com/recipe/pay-day-candy-bar-109118 (may not work)