We had our Annual Family Dinner a few weeks ago.
My family gathers every year to celebrate and remember my dad. We enjoy a big dinner together at Buca di Beppos, and share memories, eat and laugh, and laugh and eat . . . and enjoy one another's company. There are only a few times a year when we ALL get together, and this is one of those occasions.
One of the ways I celebrate/remember my dad is by sharing a piece of him that I fondly remember. Last year I brought everyone a jar of home-made Strawberry Vanilla Bean Jam. The year before, I made mini angel food cakes. It was his favorite cake! And the year before that, I brought everyone home-made divinity candy . . . his favorite candy.
This year marks 9 years since he returned Home; so needless to say, I've prepared many things over the years, from desserts to CDs to 'fun bags' that were all intended to stir happy and loving memories of our Dad.
I felt inspired to make home-made Caramel Sauce in honor of my Dad this year.
His favorite traditional ice cream topping was caramel, so I thought it would be fun to bring everyone a jar of this yummy goodness.
I found this recipe for Caramel Sauce last December, and served it at our Annual Holiday Waffle Breakfast. Everyone LOVED it, so I knew that it would be the one that I would make for my family.
I LOVE that it's made with brown sugar!
The brown sugar gives it such a warm and unique flavor . . . thanks to the molasses.
I enjoy is most when it's warmed up and then drizzled over ice cream; but it's also good on pancakes, waffles, and drizzled over hot cocoa and brownies. Really, the skies the limit with caramel sauce!
I hope that I've inspired you to make some for your family and friends!
simple caramel sauce
. . . . . . .
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 stick butter (4 Tablespoons)
1/2 cup half-and-half or cream (cream will make it thicker)
1 Tablespoon pure vanilla
pinch of salt
. . . . . . .
Preparation
Mix all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-low to
medium heat.
Cook while whisking gently for 5 to 7 minutes, until thicker.
Turn
off heat. Serve warm or refrigerate until cold.
If sauce is thin, just continue cooking for a few more
minutes.
Courtesy: Pioneer Woman
LET'S STAY in touch!
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My family loves caramel sauce so I pinned your recipe to my YUM! board.
ReplyDeleteThanks
What a wonderful way for all of you to honor your dad. Getting together and sharing memories is so special! I'm sure the caramel sauce was hit. Now your family can continue the memories every time they use it!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a chocolate person, but I do love caramel! I have the same size jars you do. How long would this keep? We don't use often so was just wondering.
ReplyDeleteHi Cathy!
DeleteOne batch will fill two small jars (as seen in the photos). It will refrigerate well for up to two weeks.
If you don't think that you'll eat two jars worth in a few weeks, then maybe think about giving the second jar away to a friend or neighbor. You'll be so appreciated :0)
Thanks for coming by!
Have a great weekend,
Suzanne
This looks amazing - huge lover of caramel and can't wait to try!!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have such a great family, with wonderful traditions. What a special way to honor your father and remember the specific things he enjoyed. I'm a huge fan of caramel, and this looks easy and divine. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI don't know a single person who doesn't love caramel. This sounds delicious - and EASY! What a fantastic tradition your family has carried on.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely idea, and I'm sure it tasted extra yum due to the sentiment! A pot of deliciousness :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing at Marvelous Monday on Smart Party Planning.
I was making this on the weekend in prep for an ebook...my recipe is similar... I love this, so much easier than starting with just raw sugar in a pot. Beautiful photos too :)
ReplyDeleteI love caramel my sweet and talented friend.Leaving some ♥ on your blog. xo
ReplyDeleteI didn't even know you could make your own caramel sauce! Definitely want to try this now (: Visiting from http://www.andieconn.com/diy-orange-stamped-lampshade/ and would love a visit back (:
ReplyDeleteSuzanne... I would love to make caramel sauce. I have a great hot fudge sauce as you know... this would be perfect. I LOVE chocolate ice cream with hot caramel topping. Oh yes I do!! Mmmmm.
ReplyDeleteI am amazed that your family has gotten together for so many years to remember your dad. It says a lot about your dad... and your whole family, too.
Thanks for sharing your caramel sauce recipe with us at Project Inspire{d}! :)
Off to pin it now!
Such a touching story! My caramel sauce recipe is similar to yours. I was blown away to find out how easy it is to make. The little jars are just perfect for gifting it.
ReplyDeleteNot only am I wild about caramel, I am crazy about your ideas to memorialize your dear dad. I just lost my dad in January...we always got together for his birthday every year, and I hope we continue that tradition. You've inspired me to come up with ways to keep his memory alive. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Weekend Potluck. I love this recipe so much I've chosen it as my personal fav for this week's party. Please come back soon.
ReplyDeleteHow sweet that you did this in honor of your dad! I love caramel. It's my fav. Much more than chocolate. Thanks for sharing it with SYC. Pinned.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
Homemade caramel sauce is so delicious and really easy, I love it! Thanks for linking up to Sweet and Savoury Sunday, stop by and link up again. Have a great day!! Laura@Baking in Pyjamas
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