Homemade Caramels with Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt

Step 1
Butter an 8-inch square baking pan.

Step 2
Combine white sugar, 1/2 cup cream, corn syrup, and butter in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring often. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup cream. Cook, without stirring, until mixture reaches 242 degrees F (117 degrees C), or until a small amount of the caramel mixture forms a firm yet pliable ball when dropped in cold water. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla.

Step 3
Pour caramel mixture into the prepared baking pan. Allow to cool slightly, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate, 8 hours to overnight.

Step 4
Remove the baking pan from the refrigerator and allow caramel mixture to warm up slightly, about 30 minutes. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.

Step 5
Combine dark and semisweet chocolate chips with shortening in a microwave-safe glass or ceramic bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until melted, about 1 1/2 minutes.

Step 6
Cut caramel into 1-inch squares. Dip caramel squares in melted chocolate, letting any excess drip off. Place onto the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with sea salt. Chill until hardened, about 1 hour.