Apples with  Homemade  “Barely  Salted” Caramel Sauce

This simple dessert achieves the mature flavor of salted caramel with just a pinch of sea salt.

YOU NEED:

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar*
• 1/4 cup half-and-half (whole milk may be used if you do not have half-and-half, but the sauce will not be as rich)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 apples of choice, sliced
• Less than 1/8 teaspoon coarse sea salt

DIRECTIONS

1. In a heavy bottomed saucepan, heat sugar, half-and-half, and butter over medium-low heat. Cook while whisking for 5-7 minutes, or until sauce thickens.
2. Stir in vanilla and cook for another 30 seconds. Turn off heat.
3. To serve, either drizzle caramel sauce over apple slices or place in a separate container next to apple slices for dipping. Before eating, sprinkle a few grains of sea salt over each serving.

*Brown sugar may be light or dark, depending on desired flavor of caramel sauce. For a stronger, richer sauce, use dark brown sugar.