One of my family’s favorite traditions is Sundaes on Sunday!  It’s a great way to end our weekend, being together and doing something special.  Everyone creates their own sundae….and of course, there’s always homemade sauce and whipped cream.  One of our favorite sauces is this caramel sauce…it’s rich, smooth and buttery.  And the grown-ups get a little whiskey in theirs….try this yummy Whiskey Caramel Sauce.  If you want to make both versions at once, follow the recipe below.  Divide caramel into two bowls and stir 1 1/2 oz. Irish Whiskey into the grown-up sauce and stir until smooth.  Easy!

Homemade Caramel Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 6 T unsalted butter, cut into thirds
• 2/3 cup cream
• 1/4 t. sea salt
• 1 t. vanilla

Directions:

• Add sugar and water to med. sized heavy saucepan over med. high heat.  Using a tall, wooden spoon, stir occasionally to prevent sugar burning (it gets hot!)
• Once sugar is dissolved (it will start to look clear) and bubbles start to form around edges of pan, turn heat to high, cover and cook for 2 minutes.
• Remove lid and continue cooking for several more minutes or until edges begin to turn an amber color, about 4-5 min.  A little smoke may start to form.
• Remove from heat and add one chunk of butter.  Stir carefully (it’s very hot, be careful!) until butter is incorporated then repeat with remaining butter.  (If it starts to clump, turn heat to low and stir until smooth, then continue with process.)
• Add cream and stir to combine. (Again, be careful and use a tall spoon, it will bubble a little as you stir.)
• Add vanilla and salt.  Stir until smooth.

Enjoy on top of sundaes and fruit or in cocktails, such as the Samoa Martini.