Licorice Caramels

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup butter ( no substitutes)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
1 teaspoon anise (licorice) extract
Black paste food coloring

Combine the first 5 ingredients in a heavy saucepan.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture reaches 234 degrees F on a candy thermometer. (This will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes.) Mixture will turn from a pale yellow color to a golden brown.

Stir in anise extract and enough black food coloring to make the caramel a dark black.

Pour mixture into a buttered 9 x 13-inch pan and let cool. Cut into small squares and wrap each piece in wax paper.

Yields 75 to 100 pieces.