Caramel Clusters

Caramel Clusters Recipe with Rice Cereal and Pecans

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Caramel clusters are a delicious and indulgent treat that combines the rich flavor of caramel with the crunch of crispy rice cereal and the nuttiness of pecans. These sweet and salty clusters are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings.

History

Caramel clusters have been a popular treat for many years, with variations of the recipe popping up in cookbooks and kitchens across the world. The combination of caramel, crispy rice cereal, and pecans creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that is sure to please any palate.

Ingredients

1 package (14 oz or 397 g) of caramels
0.25 cup of water
6 cups of bite size crispy rice cereal squares
2 cups of pecan halves

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a heavy saucepan, melt the caramels with water over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth.
Add the cereal and pecans to the melted caramel mixture.
Mix lightly until the cereal and pecans are well coated.
Spread the mixture into a greased baking pan.
Bake for 25 minutes, stirring after 15 minutes.
Turn out the mixture onto greased wax paper.
Allow it to cool thoroughly and then break it apart.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the clusters for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
Substitute the pecans with almonds or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to stir the caramel mixture frequently while melting to prevent burning.

- Make sure to coat the cereal and pecans evenly with the caramel mixture for the best flavor.

- Allow the clusters to cool completely before breaking them apart for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Caramel clusters are perfect for serving at parties, as a sweet snack, or as a homemade gift for friends and family.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect caramel clusters is to melt the caramels slowly and stir frequently to prevent burning. Be sure to coat the cereal and pecans evenly with the caramel mixture for the best flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pecans on hand, you can substitute them with your favorite nuts such as almonds or walnuts.

Make Ahead Tips

Caramel clusters can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Serve caramel clusters in a decorative tin or box for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Caramel clusters pair well with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a delicious treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store caramel clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place clusters in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of caramel clusters contains approximately 220 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of caramel clusters contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of caramel clusters contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of caramel clusters contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Caramel clusters are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Caramel clusters contain dairy and nuts.

Summary

Caramel clusters are a sweet and indulgent treat that is best enjoyed in moderation due to their high sugar and fat content.

Summary

Caramel clusters are a delicious and indulgent treat that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings. With the perfect balance of flavors and textures, these clusters are sure to be a hit with friends and family.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Caramel Clusters. It was a warm and sunny day, just like any other day in my small hometown. I was walking through the bustling market, with the smell of fresh produce and baked goods wafting through the air.

As I passed by one of the stalls, a kind old lady caught my eye. She was busy stirring a large pot of bubbling caramel, a sweet and sugary aroma filling the air around her. Intrigued, I stopped to watch as she expertly poured the caramel onto a tray lined with parchment paper, creating perfect little clusters of goodness.

I couldn't resist the temptation and asked her for the recipe. With a twinkle in her eye, she handed me a worn piece of paper with scribbled instructions. She told me that this recipe had been passed down through generations in her family, and she was happy to share it with me.

Excited, I rushed home to try out the recipe. The ingredients were simple – just sugar, butter, and cream. But the process was a bit tricky, requiring careful attention and patience. I followed the instructions to the letter, stirring the caramel until it reached the perfect consistency, then spooning it onto the tray to cool and harden.

When I finally tasted the finished product, I was in heaven. The caramel clusters were rich and buttery, with a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made these caramel clusters countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I have shared them with friends and family, who always rave about how delicious they are. And every time I make a batch, I think back to that fateful day in the market, when a kind old lady shared her family recipe with me.

I have since learned that recipes are more than just a list of ingredients and instructions. They are a way to connect with the past, to preserve traditions and memories for future generations. Each time I make these caramel clusters, I am reminded of that special moment in the market, and the joy of discovering something new and delicious.

As I grow older, I realize how important it is to cherish these recipes and pass them down to my own grandchildren. I hope that one day, they will carry on the tradition of making these caramel clusters, and that they will remember me fondly as they stir the bubbling caramel and create their own sweet memories.

In the end, it's not just about the food itself, but the stories and experiences that come with it. And for me, this recipe for caramel clusters will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the simple joys of cooking and sharing with others.