Easy Homemade Caramel Sauce

I've been making this cake from Martha Stewart for the last 6 months or so, pretty much every time I need a very yummy and fairly uncomplicated dessert for something.  

Now that it's officially fall, there is no better time than now for this cake!  But even better and easier and more versatile is the CARAMEL SAUCE that goes with this cake!

I made the cake last Sunday for a church lunch, and Monday morning I found myself with a little cup of leftover caramel sauce.  It was just sitting there, on the kitchen counter, calling my name.  At least I think it was calling my name. It sure sounded like it to me.

Anyway, the next thing I knew, I had cut a juicy apple into quarters and was dipping each slice into the rich, buttery caramel sauce. And yes, I did double dip.  I knew there would be no leftovers today.

It seemed only fitting that I leave you with a few easy peasy recipes so that YOU can make your own caramel sauce.  It's delicious!  In fact, my son informed me last night that I need to make more so that he can just eat it with a spoon.  Not a bad idea.

Here is the easy recipe from Martha that goes with the apple spice cake.   You can find a very similar one on her website here.  

You will need this cast of characters:

1 cup brown sugar
1 stick of butter (Martha says unsalted, but I say whatevs)
1/4 cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
a pinch of salt

Combine all ingredients in a small to medium saucepan (heavy-bottomed is nice to guard against burning).  Cook over medium heat, stirring continually, until it's the desired consistency.

See how easy that is?!?

If you find yourself without evaporated milk, no worries.  You can use heavy cream or even regular milk. Poke around online and you'll find all kinds of different recipes, some very complicated and scary and others not. I like this one because it is very simple, fool-proof, really.

What else can you do with caramel sauce?  Here are a few ideas:  eat it with a spoon or drizzle it over any number of things, including ice cream, baked pears or apples, or baked goods.  You could also put it in a cute jar and give it as a gift!

Now get to it!  A delicious snack awaits!