Caramel color, also known as caramel coloring or browning agent, is a widely used food additive that imparts a golden brown color and characteristic caramel flavor to various foods and beverages. It is commonly employed in the production of sodas, candy, baked goods, sauces, and alcoholic beverages. Caramel color is obtained through a carefully controlled heat treatment of carbohydrates, such as sucrose or glucose, in the presence of acids or bases. This process, known as caramelization, results in the formation of a complex mixture of compounds that contribute to the desirable color and flavor of caramel. In this article, we will explore the different types of caramel colors, their applications, and provide a collection of delicious recipes that utilize this versatile ingredient to elevate the taste and appearance of your culinary creations.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
CARAMEL COLORING
Provided by Nancy Harmon Jenkins
Categories quick, non-alcoholic drinks
Time 15m
Yield About 1/2 cup caramel coloring
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Place brown sugar and 2 tablespoons water in a heavy pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved and starts to take on a deep brown color. Do not burn the sugar.
- Add boiling water, little by little and stirring constantly. Be careful; the sugar syrup is very hot and can cause painful burns if it erupts over the pan. Continue cooking and stirring until the caramel has reduced somewhat and reached a slightly syrupy consistency.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 144, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams, Carbohydrate 37 grams, Protein 0 grams, Sodium 12 milligrams, Sugar 37 grams
PEANUT CARAMELS
This peanut caramel recipe features a sweet, chewy caramel packed with salty, crunchy peanuts. Betcha can't eat just one!
Provided by Elizabeth LaBau
Categories Cookies and Candy Dessert
Time 30m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Gather the ingredients.
- Prepare a 9-by-9-inch pan by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
- Combine the corn syrup, cream, milk, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar is melted and the mixture is smooth. Wash down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush to prevent sugar crystals from forming.
- Insert a candy thermometer and bring the candy to a boil. Stirring occasionally, cook the caramel to 240 F (soft-ball stage).
- Once the candy has reached the proper temperature, remove it from the heat and immediately stir in the peanuts.
- Pour the candy into the prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer.
- Allow the mixture to set for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- Once the caramel has set, cut it into small squares to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 294 kcal, Carbohydrate 40 g, Cholesterol 17 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Sodium 129 mg, Sugar 37 g, Fat 15 g, ServingSize 9x9 pan caramels (16 servings), UnsaturatedFat 0 g
FRUIT CARAMEL
One way to extend the life of fresh fruits is to incorporate them into caramel sauces. Any caramel sauce base can be enlivened by ripe or slightly overripe fruit, such as bananas, strawberries and stone fruit. This fruit caramel sauce is an excellent way to add a deeper sweetness and a hint of the season to your favorite desserts.
Provided by Yewande Komolafe
Categories sauces and gravies
Time 15m
Yield About 1 cup
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sugar and cook, stirring frequently, until it all melts into a light gold syrup, 5 to 6 minutes. Continue to cook to a golden brown color, about 1 minute more. Carefully add the fruit all at once and reduce the heat to medium-low. The hot syrup may bubble and become foamy.
- Continue to cook, stirring constantly until any hard clumps of caramel dissolve and the fruit pieces soften and break down, about 4 minutes. Stir in the salt and heavy cream until there are no white streaks then remove from heat. Transfer to a bowl and use immediately, or cool and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Serve warm as a topping for ice cream, pies or tarts, or use as a caramel filling for layered cake or trifles. If cold, reheat gently in a small saucepan over low heat.
CLASSIC CARAMEL CANDIES
For this recipe, you will need an accurate candy thermometer. You'll also need to cut three-inch square pieces of waxed paper or cellophane in which to wrap the caramels.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes
Time 8h30m
Yield Makes approximately 120
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Lightly brush bottom and sides of a 9-by-13-inch rimmed baking sheet with oil. Line with parchment, leaving a 2-inch overhang on long sides; lightly brush parchment with oil.
- Bring cream, sugar, butter, and corn syrup to a boil in a large saucepan over high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium-high; cook, stirring occasionally, until caramel reaches 248 degrees on a candy thermometer, about 15 minutes.
- Immediately remove caramel from heat, and stir in salt and vanilla. Pour caramel onto baking sheet, and let stand, uncovered, at room temperature at least 8 hours and up to 1 day.
- Lifting by parchment overhang, transfer caramel to a large cutting board. Cut into 3/4-by-1 1/4-inch pieces; wrap each piece in waxed paper or cellophane.
Tips for Using Caramel Color:
- Use a light hand when adding caramel color. A little goes a long way, and you can always add more if needed.
- Caramel color can be used to enhance the flavor of foods, but it should not be used as a substitute for sugar.
- Caramel color is heat stable, so it can be used in both hot and cold applications.
- Caramel color is available in a variety of forms, including liquid, powder, and paste. Choose the form that best suits your needs.
- Store caramel color in a cool, dark place.
Conclusion:
Caramel color is a versatile ingredient that can be used to add color, flavor, and richness to a variety of foods and beverages. When used correctly, caramel color can help to create delicious and visually appealing dishes.
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