A little something extra to sweeten up your morning.
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon light corn syrup (optional, but highly recommended)
1/2 cup water, very hot
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
In a small pot, combine the sugar, 1/4 cup of the water water, and the corn syrup. Stir over low heat until dissolved.
Once the sugar has dissolved completely, turn the heat up to medium high, cover the pot, and let boil for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the cover and stir vigorously as the caramel continues to cook, until mixture is a light amber color. Do not neglect this, as it goes from yum to ash in a quick minute.
Remove the caramel from heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Carefully pour in the remaining 1/2 cup of hot water. Be very careful when stirring the water into the caramel as it can splatter. If it clots up, put it back on the heat and stir it until it dissolves. Stir in the vanilla and a small pinch of salt. Makes about a cup.