Martha Bakes Season 4 Episode 5 Caramel

Martha Stewart is back with another mouth-watering episode of Martha Bakes, this time focusing on the sweet and decadent world of caramel. From simple brown sugar caramel syrup to more complex caramel candies, Martha dives into the various ways this beloved flavor can be incorporated into desserts.

In the first segment, Martha shows viewers how to make a classic caramel sauce, perfect for drizzling over ice cream or dipping apple slices. She emphasizes the importance of using high-quality ingredients and a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure the caramel doesn't burn. Martha also demonstrates how to make a creamy, rich caramel flan, using custard cups and a water bath to create a smooth and silky texture.

Next, Martha tackles the world of caramel candies, starting with a recipe for soft and chewy caramel chews. She walks viewers through the process of cooking the caramel to the perfect temperature and then forming it into small squares. Martha also shares a recipe for chocolate-covered caramels, using a double boiler to melt the chocolate and carefully dipping the caramels into the mixture. She notes that this recipe is perfect for gift-giving, as the candies can be wrapped in clear cellophane and tied with a ribbon.

In the third segment, Martha tackles the world of layered desserts with a recipe for caramel panna cotta. This classic Italian dessert is infused with both vanilla and caramel flavors, creating a sweet and creamy texture. Martha also explains how to make a simple caramel syrup, perfect for soaking sponge cake or drizzling over poached pears.

Finally, Martha shows viewers how to make a stunning caramel apple tart. She starts by slicing thinly a few Granny Smith apples, then folds them into a rich and creamy caramel sauce. Martha then bakes the tart until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender and slightly caramelized. She advises viewers to let the tart cool completely before slicing, to ensure the filling sets properly.

Throughout the episode, Martha provides helpful tips and tricks for working with caramel, including the importance of using a candy thermometer and how to avoid grainy textures. She also emphasizes the versatility of caramel, noting that it can be used in everything from sauces to candies to cakes.

Whether you're a novice baker or an experienced pastry chef, this episode of Martha Bakes is sure to inspire you to explore the sweet and delicious world of caramel. Martha's clear and concise instructions make even the most complex recipes seem approachable, and her enthusiasm for baking is infectious. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to whip up something delicious – with Martha's help, you might just become a caramel expert in no time.