BEST Salted Caramel Sauce

A few things I’ve learned about making salted caramel sauce [the hard way]:

There is a sliding scale of acceptable caramel flavor. From the very light in color and, in my opinion, light on taste to the almost burnt, dark, sultry caramel that I prefer. The final taste will depend on when you add the butter to stop the cooking process. The caramel pictured in this post is that middle ground – universally accepted as a delicious, well-prepared caramel. I added the butter when the sugar had just turned amber in color and you could smell the cooking caramel but it did not have even a hint of a burning smell. My favorite caramel is cooked just a little bit longer (only another 15 to 20 seconds or so) and I add the butter when the sugar turns a deeper, rich amber color and there is just the slightest hint of burning scent when you waft the vapors (just like they taught in middle school chemistry).
I have burned more caramel using a thermometer than I have using the senses God gave me, thus I dispense with the thermometer. I suggest you do the same. It’s just one extra dish to wash…unless you are trying to make candy (soft ball or hard crack) to which process a thermometer is essential.
Have your butter and heavy whipping cream at room temperature. If you add a cold liquid to the hot sugar, it will seize up and you won’t be able to recover it.If you have a gas stove that delivers consistent, even heat, then feel free to whisk your sugar as it melts (as per the Brown Eyed Baker), but if you are cooking on an induction stovetop like me, then I find it best to refrain from whisking. Honestly cooking caramel on a gas stove is so much easier. Sigh. Some day.
Be sure to whisk in the fleur de sel IMMEDIATELY after the cream otherwise it won’t completely incorporate. I also can taste the difference between Maldon’s Fleur de Sel and regular sea salt. I think it’s worth the splurge! 🙂
The Golden Rule of caramel making is DON’T WALK AWAY. Stand your ground at the stove. Don’t let your cat pester you into feeding her or your husband ask you to look at something. Your caramel focus will be broken and something will go horribly wrong. I know. These things happen.

Warm, simple and sweet, this sauce is the perfect topping on ice cream,
cakes, cookies, and sweet breads.

Yield: makes 1 pint

Time: 20 minutes

Basic Ingredients

1 cup heavy cream
1 ¹⁄₂ cups sugar
2 ¹⁄₂ tbsp. unsalted butter
1 tsp. kosher salt

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the cream with the butter and salt. Place over medium heat, and cook, stirring, until the butter has melted, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and keep warm.
In a small saucepan, heat the sugar with ¹⁄₄ cup water over high, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the color of dark amber, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and then pour the warm cream into the caramel. Stir until the caramel dissolves, and then serve or let cool completely. Store cooled caramel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Also visit... "AmericanHeritageCooking" for another easy recipe and tips

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