Aunt Beth's Caramels

My Aunt Beth is a wonderful cook and she is known (at least in our family) for her caramels! They are delicious, delectable, delightful...you get the idea.

1 pint whipping cream
1/2 lb butter (or Parkay margarine)
1 3/4 cup white Karo syrup
2 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups chopped nuts (optional)

1.Put 1/2 of cream, butter, Karo and sugar in a [large] kettle, bring to a boil.
2. Slowly add the rest of the cream so it doesn't stop boiling.
3. Cook  to 246'F [firm ball], add nuts and vanilla and pour into buttered pan.
4. When cold, cut into squares. [Wrap in wax paper squares.]