This recipe is a bit of a mash of a few different caramel sauce recipes among Grandma Donna’s collection. Who knew homemade caramel sauce was this easy! I strongly recommend a candy thermometer (though it can be done without) – I was able to pick one up for $5.

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp Earth Balance
• 3/4 cup water
• Pinch of salt (more to taste)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Yield: approx. 1 cup of caramel

With a rubber spatula or wooden spoon melt sugar in a saucepan. The sugar will clump and eventually melt down into a thick liquid while you stir.  Once completely melted, add Earth Balance, mixing quickly as it bubbles. Gradually add water then salt.

Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until thickened until it reaches 225 ^oF (typically 3-5 minutes). For a thicker caramel sauce, continue to simmer another 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a heat resistant container and stir in vanilla if using. The sauce will be runny but will continue to thicken as it cools.

Amazing on ice cream, a layer in cake, or a part of a confection like caramel popcorn, s’mores cookies or homemade turtles. Yumm!!!