Vanilla-Caramel Sauce

• FAST
• MAKE-AHEAD
• STAFF-FAVORITE
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 1/2 cup heavy cream
2. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3. 1/2 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
4. 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
5. 3/4 cup sugar
6. 2 tablespoons water

1. In a small saucepan, combine the cream, butter and the vanilla bean and seeds. Bring to a simmer, then remove from the heat.
2. In a heavy, medium saucepan, cook the corn syrup over moderate heat until bubbling. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of the sugar and cook, stirring just until the edges begin to turn a light amber, about 2 minutes. Repeat with the remaining sugar, adding 1/4 cup at a time. Once all of the sugar has been added, cook the corn syrup mixture until a medium-amber caramel forms, stirring and swirling the pan, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the caramel from the heat and carefully add the cream mixture. Cook the caramel over moderate heat, stirring frequently until any hardened sugar melts and the caramel is bubbling, 2 to 3 minutes. Let cool slightly, then whisk in the water. Remove the vanilla bean and serve warm or at room temperature.