Hershey Payday Candy Bar

**Centers**
1/4 c whole milk
5 unwrapped caramels
1 T light corn syrup
1 t peanut butter
1/4 t vanilla
1/4 t salt
1 1/4 c powdered sugar
**Outside**
20 unwrapped caramels
1 1/2 t water
2 c dry roasted peanuts
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 15 to 20 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 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. Eat when completely cool.
Makes 8 candy bars.