NATIONAL CARAMEL DAY
Caramel lovers celebrate their favorite treat on National Caramel Day each year. Observed on April 5th, this versatile confection adds delicious, creamy flavor to desserts, pastries, and candies.
Caramels are made by adding milk and fat to a sugary syrup that has been heated and continuously stirred until it reaches a light brown color. As early as the seventeenth century, American women used caramelized sugar and water to make candies. Since it was an economical candy to produce, it found its way into many recipes. Around the year 1850, someone discovered that adding milk and a fat product to the cooked sugar mixture resulted in a soft, chewy candy. It should be no surprise how quickly soft caramel became popular.
Bakers and pastry chefs use caramel to make a variety of desserts either as a featured ingredient, flavoring, or topping. It can be used as a syrup or as the glue holding together nuts and popcorn depending on the consistency. In a more pliant form, the candy makes great caramel apples. Cooked to a higher temperature, the caramel can become brittle and is perfect for just that kind of candy making.
The longer caramel cooks, it takes on a deeper color and a darker flavor until the sugar becomes bitter and is no longer palatable.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCaramelDay
- Enjoy a bit of caramel.
- Make homemade caramel to share with friends and family.
- We even have some sweet recipes for you to try:
- Use #NationalCaramelDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL CARAMEL DAY HISTORY
Our research was unable to find the origin or the creator of National Caramel Day.
Caramel FAQ
Q. Should I stir my caramel as it cooks?
A. Stirring isn’t necessary while the sugar melts in the pot. Allow the sugar to melt slowly over medium heat. You can swirl the caramel by sifting the pan light over the heat. Avoid splashing the sugar mixture onto the sides as may cause the sugars to crystalize.
Q. Is caramel only used for sweet recipes?
A. No. Many recipes call for caramelizing sugars for a savory sauce over meats or vegetables.
Q. How do I store homemade caramel sauce?
A. Homemade caramel sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
April 5th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) History
1955
The American Astronomical Society’s semi-annual meeting reports the detection of radio emissions from Jupiter. Astronomers Bernard F. Burke and Kenneth L. Franklin of the Carnegie Institution in Washington first discovered the waves.
1985
The Fox Broadcasting Company launching its prime-time operations. Married with Children and The Tracey Ullman Show debut.
April 5th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) Birthdays
Joseph Lister – 1827
The British surgeon revolutionized the way the world and more specifically the medical arena looked at hygiene. His procedures and antiseptic process decreased deaths in the surgical theater. One of the most basic Lister introduced was handwashing before procedures. When he first introduced his process, his peers rejected it. Today, his practices are commonplace.
Booker T. Washington – 1856
Born a slave, Booker T. Washington persevered after the Civil War by putting himself through school. He became the first principal of the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute in 1881. Washington held this position until his death in 1915. Throughout his time at that school, (now Tuskegee University), Washington was recognized for his advancement of African American education, though he was often criticized for his public support of segregation and racial subservience.
Barbara Holland – 1933
The American author earned the title of “Defender of Small Vices” thanks to some of her subjects. One of her most popular titles, The Joy of Drinking, was published in 2007.
Colin Powell – 1937
The retired four-star general served as the 65th United States Secretary of State under President George W. Bush from 2001to 2005.
Judith Resnik – 1949
The American electrical engineer became the second woman to fly in space on August 30, 1984, on STS 41-D aboard the orbiter Discovery. On January 28, 1986, Dr. Resnick was one of seven astronauts who died when the Challenger broke apart 73 seconds after launch.
Franklin R. Chang-Diaz – 1950
The first Hispanic-American astronaut, Franklin Chang-Diaz was inducted into the NASA Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2012 after seven spaceflights and over 1600 hours in space.
