1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup sugar
1 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups corn syrup
1 tablespoon anise extract
1/2 ounce black food coloring
Combine sweetened condensed milk, sugar, butter (or 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 cup margarine), salt, and corn syrup in heavy saucepan and bring to boil. Add anise flavoring (or 1/2 bottle licorice oil) and black food coloring. Continue cooking till firm-ball stage, or 234 degrees F. (243 degrees F. at sea level). Remove from heat and pour into 8-inch-square buttered pan. Refrigerate till cool. Cut and wrap each piece in wax paper or plastic wrap.
Note: If candy goes too hard, add 1 additional can of sweetened condensed milk and cook again.
Variation: For strawberry caramels, follow same recipe but use 3 capfuls of strawberry flavoring in place of anise. Use red food coloring in place of black.