Loaded Whiskey Caramel Chews

This candy recipe was an all time favorite food gift for everyone we shared them with over the holidays. I made several batches of the candy trying to get the proper pan size and the amounts just right. I also made two versions one with whiskey and one without. The candies were shared on holiday gift plates, with friends, family, fire department friends, military friends even a group of Military Generals! Each and every one came back to tell us how much they enjoyed them including the Generals!

This is a make ahead candy that needs to be in the freezer for 2 hours so plan ahead!

Makes 32 squares

INGREDIENTS

11 Oz. Bags of caramel bits (I buy them at Walmart, Kraft brand)
2 Tablespoons water
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup chopped up pretzels
1 1/2 Tablespoons whiskey(can omit)
10 ounce package of chocolate flavored melting wafers such as ghirardelli
Course sea salt

I used a disposable tin pan that I found at the grocery store size 7 15/16 x 6 7/16 x 1 13/16 or
a 5 1/2 x 9 baking dish also works.

I also used 5×5 squares of wax wrapping papers. You can easily cut wax paper to the proper size.

I also used Non stick aluminum foil and non stick spray

DIRECTIONS

Line your baking dish or aluminum tin with non stick foil, be sure to have the aluminum foil go up two of the sides of the dish. Spray with non stick spray. Set aside.

In a microwave safe bowl add the caramel bits and the 2 Tablespoons of water. Microwave for 2 minutes stirring occasionally. Once melted remove from the microwave and add the chopped pecans, chopped pretzels and whiskey. Stir to combine. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Place your baking dish into the freezer for 2 hours.

Remove from the freezer taking the caramel out of the baking dish using the aluminum foil wings. Remove the caramel from the aluminum foil and using a sharp knife cut the caramel into 32 equal pieces.

Line a baking sheet with non stick foil and set aside.

Melt your baking chips in a microwave safe dish. Microwave for 2 minutes stirring occasionally until completely melted. Remove from the microwave and dip your caramel pieces into the chocolate a couple at a time and place them on the foil lined baking sheet. Add a small pinch of sea salt directly after dipping them and continue this until all of your candy is coated in chocolate.

Let the chocolate firm in the refrigerator. Once firm remove from fridge and wrap in wax paper.

Enjoy!