Lovely.  What a wonderful word for February.  I’m thinking lovely thoughts to chase away the winter doldrums, and a recipe which happens to be a favorite.

To most, Valentines Day is a day to celebrate (or maybe not) your loved ones, showering them with an array of novelties.  Being a chef, I am not the type for such trivial trinkets but more inclined to create a treat that combines a harmonious blend of complex favors resulting in something quite more sophisticated, Salted caramel, where sweet meets savory.

A quick thought about the ingredients.  Sea Salt awakens the taste buds accentuating all of the even more subtle caramel flavors.  The sea salt doesn’t melt into the caramel so there are fine grains of salt that add texture and crunch.

Salted Caramel Sauce
Makes approximately 2 Cups

• 2 Cups sugar
• 1 ½ Cups heavy whipping cream
• 2 TBSP. salted butter
• ½ tsp. sea salt

Spread sugar evenly in a large heavy metal pot.  Place on medium heat and cook without stirring until the sugar around the edges start to liquefy.  Next, using a wooden spoon gently stir the sugar.  As it begins to look like little pebbles keep stirring until the amber color turns a deep brown. Remember to stir constantly!  Now, remove the pot from the heat and carefully add in ½ of the cream.  Use caution as the sauce will bubble up dramatically.  Add the remainder of the cream until the sauce is smooth.  Finally, stir in the butter and salt.

Serve immediately warm over apple fritters, bread pudding, your favorite ice cream, a warm chocolate brownie or a combination of the above.

So,  go ahead and cancel that order of fine chocolates for your Valentine and spend some quality time in your kitchen this 14^th of February creating something lovely for your loved one.