Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels

Ingredients for Caramel:

• 2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 cup butter
• 3/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla

Ingredients for Topping:

• 1 cup dark chocolate baking chips
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Directions:

1. Line 9-inch square pan with aluminum foil, extending over edges. Butter bottom and sides of foil.
2. Combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and sweetened condensed milk in heavy 3-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a boil.
3. Cook 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until candy thermometer reaches 240°F-242°F or small amount of mixture dropped into cold water forms soft pliable ball. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Pour into prepared pan. Cool 2 hours at room temperature until set.
4. Combine chocolate chips and whipping cream in bowl. Microwave 1-2 minutes, stirring every 15 seconds, until chocolate is melted. Spread mixture evenly over caramels. Cool 5 minutes; sprinkle with sea salt. Refrigerate until completely cooled.
5. Remove caramels from pan using foil; remove foil. Cut into 1-inch squares with sharp knife. Wrap caramels in candy wrappers or waxed paper. Store refrigerated. Remove from refrigerator 10 minutes before serving.