Could it be one of the greatest food pairings in history?

We say a thousand times YES! Celebrate National Chocolate and Caramel Day on Saturday, March 19, with other choccie caramel fans, or just take the plunge and go nuts now.

The origin of caramel is mostly lost in the pages of history, but what historians do know is that the first discovering sits somewhere in the 200 years between 1650 and 1880. Settlers in America would make hard candies in kettles and one day, added fat and milk to the boiling water and then some sugar.

The first caramels are thought to have been born this way, although during this time, refined sugar was both rare and expensive, so it was often made with the juice from sugar beets, which was much easier to source. 

Looking for inspiration? Check out these marvellous caramel and chocolate creations available at Choithrams.com

Lindt Salted Caramel

The Lindt Salted Caramel is an exciting new chocolate addition to the extensive range. The delightfully-tasty Lindt milk chocolate is combined with sticky, soft, liquid caramel, complemented by a touch of salt, providing the perfect answer for those salty-sweet cravings we’re all experiencing. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a mouth-watering treat, just for you, or to share with friends, it’s bursting with flavour - one bite and you will immediately fall for this heavenly treat.

Galaxy Caramel Cake

Enjoy these delicious caramel cake bars smothered in Galaxy milk chocolate with a smooth caramel topping for lunch or dinner as they are perfect for packed lunches or as an afternoon treat. Alternatively, go one step further and break up bars, adding them to butter, sugar, eggs, syrup, flour, milk and cocoa paste, to make a giant chocolate cake to rival most others.

Caramel chocolate popcorn

American Garden Popcorn delivers the ultimate combination of flavour and fun. It’s great for movie nights in, and whether chick-flick or sci-fi, every movie is made great with handfuls of warm popcorn. Just 2 tbsp of vegetable oil, 200g of popcorn maize, 125g butter, diced, 150g caster sugar and 2 tbsp of clear honey is all you need to make your own caramel popcorn. Drizzle melted chocolate or choccie sauce over the top for an added indulgent treat. Go on, give it a go!

Starbucks Chilled Caramel Macchiato Coffee Drink

Sometimes you just need a sweet sensation from your morning drink. Starbucks Chilled Classics Caramel Macchiato provides just that. It’s a great sensorial experience, perfect for your morning or afternoon break, and the sweet addition in a drink is often enough to stop you reaching for that calorie-laden biscuit.

Why not give one a go?

For the more adventurous, perhaps it is time to try out a chocolate caramel recipe of your own? It can be great fun and the perfect way to keep kids happy in the kitchen. Pick up a few box mixes at Choithrams.com to make the process even easier. Modern conveniences and boxed mixes mean that almost anyone can create a delightful treat without any fuss.

Chocolate caramel brownies. Start with a simple brownie box mix. Prepare the brownie mix as per the instructions and place your batter in the pan as directed. Grab some thick caramel sauce (often found in the ice cream topping section at the grocery store) and drizzle a generous amount on top in parallel lines. Draw a knife perpendicular to the lines to create a swirled effect. Bake as directed and enjoy.

Chocolate caramel pretzels. Lay a few pretzel twists flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place some small caramel pieces on each pretzel, then bake for 3-5 minutes to melt. Cool completely and then dip in melted chocolate. It's a fun and easy treat almost anyone can make.