Old-Fashioned Caramels

AMAZING! They have a lovely texture, and they're so creamy! I have tried candy recipes before, and none have worked as well as these! They are so much better than the ones in the store - the nuts in them are a nice touch (though they are optional, just in case you do not like nuts or are allergic).

Old-Fashioned Caramels

1 cup butter

2 1/4 cups firmly packed yellow sugar

1 cup corn syrup

14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

In a heavy 3 quart saucepan, melt butter. Add sugar and mix until well blended. Stir in corn syrup; cook until sugar has dissolved; remove pan from heat. Stir in sweetened condensed milk; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture reaches the soft ball stage (240), about 20 to 30 minutes of constant stirring. Add vanilla. Pour hot mixture into buttered 9"by13" inch pan.

Cut caramels; wrap individually in waxed paper.

Optional: Add 2/3 of a cup of nuts at the same time you add the vanilla. I used walnuts, and they definitely added. I definitely recommend that you use them