It’s National Caramel Day! You can enjoy caramel in a variety of different foods and beverages. Our recipe below will outline how to make caramel cream for a delicious caramel macchiato.
But First! Did you know that caramel has a long and rich history? The process of caramelization was discovered when people noticed that sugar turned brown and took on a unique flavour when it was heated. The name caramel comes from the Latin word cannamellis, which means sugar cane and honey.
One of the earliest references to caramel comes from ancient Egypt. It was used as a sweetener in desserts and medicinal remedies. In ancient India and Persia, caramel was known as ‘kand’, used in sweetmeats and confections.
In Europe, caramel became popular in the 18th century. Europeans used caramel as a flavouring for coffee and a sweetener for desserts. In the early 19th century, the French started to make caramel candies, and by the mid-1800s, caramel had become a popular candy in Europe and America.
Milton Hershey made the first American commercial caramel candy in the late 1800s. Hershey had previously been a caramel candy maker but had switched to chocolate when he discovered a more efficient way to make it. However, his caramel candies remained popular and Hershey's company continued to produce them alongside their chocolate products.
During World War II, caramel became scarce due to sugar rationing, and many candy makers turned to other flavours and ingredients. However, caramel remained a popular flavour, and after the war, it experienced a resurgence in popularity.
Today, a variety of foods and beverages, including candies, desserts, coffee drinks, and sauces uses caramel. It is often paired with chocolate, nuts, or fruit to create delicious flavour combinations.
Making caramel involves heating sugar on the stovetop or in the oven until it melts and turns a rich, amber colour. Different methods can produce different flavours and textures.
You can also make caramel by heating sweetened condensed milk, which results in a smooth, creamy texture. This method is often used to make caramel sauce or caramel-flavoured coffee creamer.
In recent years, salted caramel has become a tasty trend. It adds a savoury element to the sweet candy. This flavour combination has become popular in desserts, candies, and in cocktails.
Caramel has a long and fascinating history that spans cultures and centuries. From its early use in ancient Egypt to its popularity in modern-day desserts and candies, caramel has remained a beloved flavour worldwide. Whether you prefer classic caramel candies or the latest salted caramel dessert, there's no denying the appeal of this delicious treat.
Let’s make some caramel cream for a caramel macchiato!
Caramel Cream Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the sugar over medium-high heat. Stir constantly with a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon. At first the sugar will clump, but keep stirring until it melts and turns a dark amber colour.
Reduce the heat to low. Add the butter and stir until it's completely melted and mixed in with the sugar.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. The mixture will bubble up, so be careful.
Add the salt and stir to combine.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Let the caramel cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a heat-safe container. It will thicken as it cools.
Enjoy the caramel on its own or use it as a topping for ice cream, cakes, or other desserts.
Note: Be very careful when working with hot sugar as it can cause serious burns. Also, use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent the sugar from burning.
Add this caramel to frothed cream and add your espresso shot and enjoy. Get crazy and serve it over ice for s star bucking variation of this commercial classic.
Here's a recipe and method for making a caramel macchiato:
Caramel Macchiato Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 shot of espresso
- 8-10 oz of steamed milk
- 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce made earlier
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
Brew a shot of espresso and set it aside.
Steam the milk using a milk steamer or frother until it's hot and frothy.
Pour the caramel sauce into the bottom of a tall glass.
Pour the steamed milk into the glass, leaving a little bit of room at the top. Slowly pour the shot of espresso into the milk, allowing it to create a layered effect.
Add whipped cream on top, if desired.
Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top of the whipped cream.
Serve and enjoy your homemade caramel macchiato!
Note: If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use strongly brewed coffee instead. You can also adjust the amount of caramel sauce and whipped cream to your liking.