Fresh-picked apples will be in the markets now through September, and what goes better with apples than caramel sauce?
Making caramel sauce is actually easy; but be prepared for noise, and a bit of spitting.
It Doesn’t Look Like Sauce
The cooking process for caramel goes quickly. When you start melting the sugar, you’ll think you did something wrong because it looks like ice bergs.
Don’t worry, just keep stirring.
Tips for Success
You can learn from my mistakes.
The size of your pot matters. Use a 3 qt. (medium size) heavy saucepan. The first time I tried to make this sauce, I used a small pot (1 1/2 qt.) instead of a medium size one.
It took too long for the sugar to melt and the sauce was more like caramel candy. (That was a mistake I could live with.)
Also, have your ingredients at room temperature, measured, and next to the stove when you start cooking. This will make the cooking process quicker and reduce splattering.
Use Caution
Melted sugar is extremely hot. Use caution, and keep children and pets away from the sauce until it has cooled.
Storing the Sauce
The sauce can be stored in a covered jar in the fridge. Just uncover and warm in the microwave ( or a warm water bath) when you are ready to use it.
Besides apple slices, I’ve used this caramel sauce on ice cream, in coffee, and even in an apple pie.
Beware, though! This stuff is addictive. It’s also destined to become one of your pantry staples.
Sea-Salt Caramel Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 c. sugar
- 4 Tbsp. butter
- ½ c. half & half
- ¼ tsp. vanilla
- ½ tsp. sea salt
Instructions
- Place sugar in a 3 qt. sauce pan and heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. As it melts, stir it carefully with a silicon spatula.
- The sugar will look chunky as it begins to melt.
- When all of the solids have turned to liquid, turn off the heat and whisk in the butter and cream, fully incorporating the mixture. This is when you will get the sputtering and spitting - just ignore it and keep whisking.
- Use the spatula to get at the chunks.
- Use the whisk to smooth out the sauce.
- Alternate between the whisk and the spatula. The whisk will incorporate the ingredients, the spatula can loosen thickened caramel from the whisk and sides of the pot.
- You can turn the heat back on low and continue whisking, if you get some lumps.
- Once it looks like caramel sauce, whisk in the vanilla and salt.
- Pour into a clean canning jar and allow it to cool. Put the lid on the sauce. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
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yummmmm
Have some fun!!
JoAnn – I can remember making caramel when I was growing up. ah there was some parental supervision involved. hmm – could be more alternate munchies – or gooies on the horizon.