Ep 18. Caramel

In season 8 episode 18 of Unwrapped, viewers are taken on a mouth-watering journey exploring the various types of caramel treats that exist. From the classic caramel candy to caramel apples, popcorn, and even twisted churros, this episode provides insight into the making of these irresistible snacks.

Host Marc Summers starts off by visiting the largest private-owned caramel apple manufacturer in the world- Mrs. Prindable's. We get to see how they make their signature caramel coating and how they hand-dip each apple. We also learn about the different flavors they offer ranging from classic peanut and pecan to holiday-themed versions like pumpkin spice and peppermint.

Next up, Marc takes us to a small family-owned shop in Indianapolis that specializes in making soft, gooey caramel chews. The process of making caramel chews is much more complicated than it seems; the correct temperature and timing are crucial to creating the perfect texture. The owners of the shop discuss the challenges in making chewy caramel and showcase the various flavors they offer such as sea salt, apple, and cinnamon.

But caramel isn't just for sweet treats; it can also be used for savory snacks. Marc visits a snack manufacturer that creates caramel corn. The company uses light and airy kernels, coats them in caramel, and then bakes them to perfection. We learn about the various flavors that are available such as cheese, jalapeno, and even bacon-flavored caramel corn.

For those with a sweet tooth, Marc takes us to a gourmet artisanal ice cream shop that serves homemade caramel sauce with their ice cream. The chef explains the process of making homemade caramel sauce using only real ingredients like sugar, cream, butter, and vanilla extract. We see the mouth-watering results of this as the sauce is poured over scoops of ice cream.

Another sweet treat that is explored in this episode is the twisted churro. Marc visits a California shop that creates twisted churros with a caramel drizzle. We see the process of making these twisty treats, and viewers are sure to have their mouths watering by the time the churros are finished.

Lastly, we visit a candy company that uses caramel to create a classic chocolate-covered square candy called the 'caramel'. The company uses high-quality ingredients like fresh cream, butter, and sugar to create their caramel, which is then coated in rich chocolate. We learn about the different chocolate variations they offer, including milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and even a white chocolate variety.

Overall, this episode of Unwrapped takes viewers on a delicious and indulgent journey through the world of caramel treats. From classic caramel candies to innovative twists on traditional snacks, this episode showcases the versatility and deliciousness of caramel in all its forms. Viewers are sure to be left craving their favorite caramel treat after watching this episode.