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Apple Dip
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Caramel Sauce

Makes about 1½ cups
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, French, Southern
Keyword: apple dip, caramel apple, caramel sauce
Calories:

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 vanilla bean split and scraped, or 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of fine sea salt

Instructions

  • In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and lemon juice. Heat over low heat, swirling the pan occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. Continue to boil, without stirring, until it begins to turn golden around the edges.(It is important not to stir, or the syrup may crystallize).
  • I KNOW you are looking for a cook time. The cook time will depend on your stove strength and the type metal pot you are using. It wildly vary from cook to cook. Don't leave it. Don't go talk on the phone or start looking at Instagram. Stay with it. It should take about 8 to 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, combine the butter and cream in a small saucepan. Heat until the butter melts. Keep warm. When the syrup begins to color, lower the heat, and continue boiling to a deep golden color 335°F to 350°F. It will darken rapidly. Remove the pan from the heat and add the butter and cream. (Be very careful because the syrup will furiously bubble up in the pan.) Return the pan to the heat and stir until the caramel is completely dissolved. Add the vanilla and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month; it will solidify. Reheat it over a double boiler or in a heavy saucepan over very low heat, adding a bit of warm water if it is too thick and not of sauce or pouring consistency.