Homemade Christmas gift – Coconut and Cocoa Caramels

Did you get all your Christmas gifts yet? That pair of  beautiful shoes you sister really wanted or DVD your boyfriend has been talking about  for 2 months ?

I know you didn't and I don’t blame you. I am not that ready for Christmas myself, as both of my  Christmas presents shopping trips ended with me buying jumpers for myself and even more confusion .

If you feel like making those cute caramel truffles as a part of the Christmas gift, I  am sure your friends and family will love it. The recipe is super easy, and the only special equipment you need it’s a baking thermometer. I rolled my truffles  into a round shape, but you can just cut them into square pieces and wrap each caramel in a baking paper and twist the ends for a vintage feel.

Homemade Christmas gift – 
Coconut and Cocoa Caramel Truffles
(makes around 40 truffles)

354 ml  double cream

100 g sugar

82 g  maple syrup

70 g butter

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp  vanilla extract

Cocoa powder

Coconut shreds

Mini cupcakes cases

Line baking pan with baking paper and brush it lightly with melted butter, or like I did coconut oil (my new addiction)

Mix sugar, maple syrup and 125 ml water in a big saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium heat.

Continue to boil for 5-10 minutes until caramel is golden brown. Be really careful, caramel is really hot!

While waiting for sugar to turn  brown, mix cream, butter and salt together and bring it to simmer in a small pan .

When sugar has perfect color, add slowly the cream mixture. Stir in vanilla with wooden spoon, and cook over medium heat until it reaches 248 degrees (firm ball stage) – it should take around 15 minutes, keep checking on your candy thermometer.

When caramel is ready, just pour it into prepared pan and let it cool, for few hours (I left my caramel overnight)

Shaping caramels 

You have two options :

• You can cut your caramels into small squares/ rectangles and wrap each of them in parchment paper,

Or

• Wear a pair or plastic gloves and form each of caramel squares into round shape (They will look like truffles ).

The very last thing is to dust caramels with cocoa powder and coconut shreds. You don't have to end with those. There is so many dusting varieties, all you need  is your imagination !

Enjoy and Merry Christmas Ho Ho Ho ! xx