Preparing caramels from scratch is one of the most rewarding things to do. You take simple ingredients and turn them into a sweet, gooey and sticky candy. Once you sample homemade caramels, you'll never want to eat store-bought versions again!

Line a 9x9 inch pan with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.

In a saucepan, combine butter, cream, vanilla, whiskey and salt. Stirring frequently, bring the mixture to a boil. Remove from the heat and set aside.

In a large saucepan, mix together the sugar, corn syrup and water. Boil on the stove over medium-high heat. Do not stir.

I keep a cup of water and a pastry brush next to the pan to wipe down the sides so that the sugar doesn't crystallize. 

Boil until the sugar turns a light golden color and reaches 310 degrees.

When the sugar reaches 310 degrees, add the heavy cream mixture. It will bubble and boil.

You can stir at this point and let the mixture cook until it reaches 248 degrees.

Pour the caramel into the prepared pan and let sit for 10 minutes.

Sprinkle generously with sea salt and let cool completely. 

Cut into squares, wrap in parchment paper and give as a gift. Or keep for yourself...I won't tell!