CHOCOLATE CARMELS

Candy making was a common social event in the 19th century. What better way to entice a young man to come calling than to have a candy making party and invite your friends. Below is a recipe from the 1800s with the terminology of the times. For example, sweet milk simply meant milk that hadn't gone sour on you. I find the recipe works better if I use a thick bottomed pan and if I don't try it on a rainy day.

Boil together (stirring often if not constantly):

1 pound of white sugar

1/4 pound of chocolate

4 tablespoons of molasses

1 cup of sweet milk

a piece of butter as big as a walnut.

Drop a bit into a cup of cold water, when it harden, flavor with vanilla, if you want throw in a cup of pecans, and pour on a buttered slab or pan. While still a bit warm, cut in squares.

If you do try this recipe, take a picture and send it to me. Enjoy!