Homemade Caramel Sauce

Up and oddly awake at 12:15am watching SNL. That's what I did Saturday night.  I took a decent nap in the afternoon. I will take that as a "did the trick" type of nap since I was up late last night.  

How was your Saturday?

I also did some baking with one batch of cookies that I wound up being not happy with and another batch had to be disposed of because of a drinking glass breaking.  A few shards of glass were strewn about my kitchen counter top and onto the cookie sheet as soon as they came hot out of the oven.  It was not the best baking night to say the least. I didn't cry though...that's a breakthrough!

I then randomly thought about making homemade caramel sauce.  It turned out stellar, friends! That was the highlight of my night!  I knew I had some creamy vanilla bean ice cream on hand and for some reason, the idea of these two decadent treats together are just pure perfection in my mind. It's Autumn too, so I'm sure this could be used for caramel apples or drizzled on top of your apple or pecan pie as well.  Why not?

The color of this caramel sauce is so rich and beautiful, I can't even take it.  And there's nothing like making your own caramel sauce.  Just be careful, as you're literally boiling water and sugar together for a good ten minutes.  And then you add rich cream and all is A-OK. I found this awesome recipe from the wonderful Jenna, of Eat, Live, Run. 

It's such a simple recipe, but you do need to watch the boiling pot; literally.  You want the water and sugar to turn a pretty golden brown color, but be sure not to burn it.  Like Jenna, I too prefer a more richer and deeper brown color to my caramel sauce. The flavor becomes even more enhanced.


You just need these ingredients:

1 cup sugar
2 T. water
1 cup heavy whipping cream

Boil the sugar and water over medium-high heat until a nice golden brown color sets in. Do not stir this mixture. Just swirl the pot if needed and scrape the edges with a rubber spatula or brush here and there. It took about ten minutes until it achieved the color I was looking for.

 

Once you add the cream, immediately take the pot off of heat and whisk to combine. Set aside at room temperature until completely cooled.

Please make this caramel sauce.  You'll fall in love and also won't stop licking the spoon or your fingers.

It's been feeling like flippin' August in these parts lately.  This coming week is supposed to be more "fall like".  I sure hope so!  I have yet to wear boots or leggings or a damn sweater dress!  What are your plans for Sunday?  

Enjoy!