Beer and Pretzel Caramels

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°. For pretzels, in a small bowl, combine sugar and salt. In a large bowl, combine the pretzels, oil and vanilla. Add sugar mixture; toss to coat. Transfer to a 15x10x1-in. foil-lined baking pan coated with cooking spray.
2. 2

   Bake until sugars have melted and caramelized, 10-13 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not overcook or sugar may burn. Cool completely. Coarsely chop pretzels.
3. 3

   In a large saucepan, bring beer to a boil; cook until reduced to 2/3 cup. Set aside to cool.
4. 4

   Meanwhile, line a 9-in. square pan with foil; grease the foil with 1 teaspoon butter.
5. 5

   In a Dutch oven, combine the sugar, corn syrup, 2/3 cup cream, water, salt and remaining 1 cup butter. Cook and stir over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 238°, about 20 minutes. In a small bowl, combine reduced beer and remaining 1-1/3 cups cream; slowly stir into sugar mixture.
6. 6

   Using a pastry brush dipped in cold water, wash down the side of the pan to eliminate sugar crystals. Cook, stirring constantly, until a candy thermometer reads 245° (firm-ball stage), about 30 minutes.
7. 7

   Remove from the heat. Pour into prepared pan (do not scrape saucepan); sprinkle with candied pretzels and kosher salt. Let stand until firm, about 5 hours or overnight. Using foil, lift candy out of pan. Discard foil; cut candy into 1-in. squares using a buttered knife. Wrap individually in waxed paper; twist ends.