Cinnamon Valentine Caramels

** Recipe from  Tasty Kitchen **

* 2 c. white sugar 
* 1-½ c. light corn syrup 
* 1-½ c. heavy cream 
* 1 c. unsalted butter, plus 1/2 Tbl. for pan 
* 2 tsp. cinnamon oil 
* 1-½ tsp. red food color gel 

(Note: Cinnamon oil is very strong, but necessary for reaching a bold cinnamon flavor. Be careful to not get it on your skin, as it can cause irritation. For a more subtle cinnamon flavor, substitute 3 teaspoons cinnamon extract for the cinnamon oil.)

Butter a 9″ x 13″ pan and set aside.  Place all ingredients except cinnamon oil & red coloring in a heavy medium sauce pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring quite constantly, until it reaches 240°F. This will take a while, but don’t wander too far away, as the temperature seems to rise quickly right at the end. Take off heat & stir in cinnamon oil and red coloring. Pour into buttered pan. Let cool to room temp, then refrigerate to set. Take out of refrigerator and let sit for about 10 min. before cutting.  If you want to give these caramels as a gift, simply cut them into your desired size and wrap in wax paper.