**Centers**
1/4 c whole milk
5 unwrapped caramels
1 T light corn syrup
1 t butter
1/4 t vanilla
1/8 t salt
1 1/4 c powdered sugar
**Outside**
20 unwrapped caramels
1 1/2 t water
2 c dry roasted peanuts
1 12-ounce bag milk chocolate-chips
1. 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.
2. Use a candy thermometer to bring the mixture to exactly 230 degrees, stirring often,
then turn off the heat.
3. 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.
4. 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 counter top until it forms a roll with 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.
5. 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.
6. 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. Place these bars into your refrigerator for an hour or two so
that they firm up.
7. Pour the milk chocolate chips into a glass or ceramic bowl and zap it in the
microwave for 2 minutes on 50% power. Gently stir the chips, then heat for an additional
30 seconds at 50% power. Repeat if necessary, stirring gently after each 30 seconds.
Don't over cook the chips or the chocolate will burn and seize up on you.
8. Drop a candy bar center into the melted milk chocolate. Cover the candy bar with
chocolate using two forks, one in each hand. When the candy is covered with chocolate,
balance the bar on both of the forks, one at each end of the candy bar, and tap the forks
on the top edge of the bowl so that much of the chocolate drops off. Carefully place the
candy bar onto wax paper and remove the two forks. Repeat with the remaining
ingredients, and then chill the candy bars until firm. Makes 8 candy bars.
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