Caramel Glaze

Makes: Enough for any cake

Time: 10 minutes

Because it’s made with brown sugar, this has a warm, butterscotchlike flavor that enhances and lends a little complexity to whatever it touches.

• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) butter
• ¾ cup cream
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the cream, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt and stir just until the mixture is smooth and fluid; it should still be pretty thin. Remove from the heat and add the vanilla if you’re using it. Let cool for a few minutes before adding to desserts.