Caramel "Barbecue Sauce"

• FAST
• MAKE-AHEAD
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
2. 1/2 cup water
3. 1 cup heavy cream
4. 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. Combine the sugar and water in a deep, heavy saucepan. Cover the pan, set it over high heat and boil for 1 minute. Uncover the pan and boil until a dark golden brown caramel forms, 5 to 8 minutes. If sugar crystals splash up on the sides of the pan, brush them down with a natural bristle pastry brush dipped in water.
2. Remove the pan from the heat and carefully add the heavy cream; stand back—the sauce will hiss and spatter. Return the pan to the heat and simmer the sauce, whisking, until the caramel is completely dissolved in the cream, 2 to 4 minutes. Whisk in the cinnamon. Remove the pan from the heat and let the sauce cool. The sauce can be made several hours ahead.