Coffee Caramel Sauce

Love caramel but crave a dash of coffee?

This is a perfect sauce for those of you who love caramel but crave a dash of coffee in your sweets. It is a tasty topping over ice cream, adds pizzazz over mangoes or other simple fruits, and gives a delicious twist to shortbread or sugar cookies.

Coffee Caramel Sauce Ingredients: 
1/2 cup granulated sugar 
3 tablespoons water 
Freshly squeezed lemon juice, two or three drops 
1/2 cup fresh whipping cream 
1/4 cup coffee, brewed double strength 
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground coffee 
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 
1 teaspoon sweet butter unsalted 
Pinch of salt

Directions: 
Place the sugar, water, and lemon juice in a small saucepan and stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. 
Increase the heat to medium high until mixture comes to a boil. 
If sugar crystals remain, use a wet pastry brush to help them dissolve. 
Continue to boil the liquid until it turns a deep caramel color, but do not stir and do not allow to burn. 
This should take about five or six minutes. 
Remove from heat and stir in the coffee, cream, and coffee granules until all are dissolved. 
Because the caramelized sugar is very hot, stir carefully to avoid bubbles. 
Return the pan to medium heat and continue to stir the mixture until thoroughly mixed. 
Turn up the heat and boil until the mixture thickens, about five more minutes. 
Add the vanilla, butter and salt. 
Stir once more and pour into a warmed pitcher or gravy bowl, and serve.

 The following nutritional analysis is based on a 2 oz. serving of sauce.

Nutritional information provided by www.menucalc.com