Apple cider and bourbon create a new twist on an old classic – a truly decadent caramel sauce.
There’s a unique bittersweetness that comes with returning home after a rejuvenating vacation. While my heart longs for the charming streets of Charleston, South Carolina, my kitchen is buzzing with inspiration, especially for this week’s special #SundaySupper feature. Coming back from an unforgettable trip, brimming with culinary adventures, always sparks new creative energy for cooking and baking. And believe me, Charleston offered more than enough culinary marvels to fuel months of recipe development!
Charleston Chronicles: A Foodie’s Dream Destination
My recent getaway to Charleston was nothing short of magical, a true “foodcation” that I’ll cherish forever. Frankly, if we had stayed even a day longer, leaving would have been an impossible feat. The city’s culinary scene is simply captivating, and I made it my mission to sample as much as possible. Without a doubt, the undisputed champion of all dishes I encountered was the collard greens. Friends, these weren’t just any collard greens; they were extraordinary, elevated to an art form. I confess, I indulged in them every single day of our trip – a testament to their unparalleled flavor and comforting richness.
My partner and I, whom I affectionately call Squirrel, immersed ourselves in the city’s vibrant culture and history. We took a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic district, where our exceptionally knowledgeable tour guide shared fascinating anecdotes and historical insights. Every corner turned revealed another layer of Charleston’s beauty. And yes, our adventures were heavily punctuated by eating. We explored countless eateries, from charming cafes to upscale restaurants, savoring everything from fresh seafood to classic Southern comfort food. If you’re pondering your next travel destination and a deep dive into delicious cuisine is high on your list, Charleston is unequivocally the place to be.
Opting out of a rental car, we embraced the city on foot, saving money and incidentally, getting plenty of exercise! Charleston, while not sprawling, offers a delightful challenge to walkers with its enchanting yet treacherous cobblestone streets. These historic pathways are undeniably charming but demand careful navigation. I narrowly escaped a few twisted ankles, learning quickly that heels and cobblestones are a perilous combination. My single pair of heels remained tucked away in my luggage, a stark reminder that one wrong step could lead to an unfortunate incident. So, take it from me: pack comfortable, sturdy shoes when exploring Charleston.
Next week, I’ll be sharing a more comprehensive photo diary of our Charleston journey, so be sure to stay tuned for a visual feast of our delicious escapades!
Embracing the Sweet Life: The Art of Homemade Caramel
As much as I loved reliving our Charleston memories, it’s time to dive into this week’s exciting #SundaySupper theme: Sauces! When it comes to sauces, my heart belongs to caramel. That irresistible, sweet, sticky, and gooey concoction with its distinct burnt sugar notes is a universal delight. It elevates everything from humble ice cream to sophisticated desserts, and even savory dishes can benefit from a touch of its complex sweetness.
But why settle for ordinary when you can jazz things up? For this special occasion, I decided to craft an extraordinary Apple Cider Bourbon Caramel Sauce. Yes, you read that right: Bourbon! The mere mention of it promises a certain depth and sophistication.
The Magic of Bourbon in Culinary Creations
In my humble culinary opinion, bourbon possesses an almost magical ability to enhance nearly any recipe. It transforms the mundane into the magnificent, infusing dishes with a profound depth of flavor. I absolutely adore cooking and baking with bourbon, which is why a well-stocked bottle is a permanent resident in my pantry. Its warm, woody, and slightly sweet notes complement a wide array of ingredients, creating truly memorable tastes.
The addition of apple cider in this recipe introduces a delightful, tangy sweetness that beautifully balances the richness of the caramel. This isn’t just any caramel sauce; it’s a revelation. The apple cider lends a crisp, fruity brightness that sets it apart from any other caramel I’ve ever made. Then, the bourbon swoops in, adding subtle hints of oak and vanilla, along with a complex warmth that deepens the overall profile. The synergy between these three key ingredients—sweet caramel, tart apple cider, and robust bourbon—creates an utterly decadent and unforgettable sauce. Imagine drizzling this exquisite creation over crisp apple slices; it’s a simple yet sublime treat, perfect for autumn evenings or any time you crave a sophisticated sweet indulgence.
Crafting Perfection: A Simple Caramel Recipe with a Crucial Safety Tip
Despite its luxurious flavor, this has to be one of the easiest caramel recipes I’ve ever tackled. The process begins with reducing the apple cider, a crucial step that concentrates its vibrant, tangy apple flavor. This reduction intensifies the essence of the fruit, laying a powerful flavor foundation for the sauce. As we often say here at The Messy Baker, concentration equals flavor, and we’re all about maximizing flavor in every dish!
Once the cider has reduced to a potent, flavorful syrup, you’ll incorporate butter, brown sugar, and cream. Watch as this mixture comes alive, bubbling happily on the stove. Allow it to reach a steady, rolling boil and whisk continuously for a full two minutes. This ensures the caramel develops its rich color and proper consistency. Then, and this is critically important, remove the pot completely from the heat before stirring in the bourbon. I cannot stress this enough: **DO NOT stir in any alcohol while the pot is over direct heat.** Alcohol vapors are highly flammable, and we certainly don’t want any kitchen accidents. Safety first, always! So, remember: pot off the heat, then add the booze. Got it? Great! We certainly don’t want anyone pointing fingers at The Messy Baker for a house fire, so our new, non-negotiable motto is: “Remove before booze.”
Once you taste this caramel, I’m confident you’ll want to incorporate it into your daily life. Prepare to be delightfully addicted! You’re welcome.
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, salted or unsalted
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon bourbon (high quality recommended for best flavor)
- In a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan, cook the apple cider over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Continue to cook until the cider reduces to 1/4 cup, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes. This step concentrates the apple flavor.
- Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream to the reduced cider. Bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil, stirring constantly to ensure all ingredients are well combined and the sugar dissolves. Allow the mixture to boil vigorously for exactly 2 minutes.
- Immediately remove the pan from the heat. Carefully whisk in the bourbon until thoroughly combined. Be extremely cautious and ensure the pan is off the heat before adding alcohol.
- Allow the caramel mixture to cool completely at room temperature. As it cools, it will thicken to a luscious consistency. Store the cooled sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- To reheat the caramel sauce for serving, simply microwave it in short 10-15 second intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired pourable consistency.
Explore More Delicious Sauces from Our #SundaySupper Community
This week’s #SundaySupper event is overflowing with creative and tantalizing sauce recipes. Don’t forget to visit the other fantastic contributions from our talented community of food bloggers:
Savory Sauces
- Port Wine and Fig Sauce from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce from Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos
- Homemade Steak Sauce from Juanita’s Cocina
- Tomato Kasundi from What Smells So Good?
- Homemade Tartar Sauce from The Foodie Army Wife
- Creamy Dairyfree Mushroom Sauce from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
- Homemade Teriyaki Sauce from Curious Cuisiniere
- Red Wine Sauce | Molho de Vinho Tinto from Family Foodie
- Guava BBQ Sauce from Basic N Delicious
Pasta Sauces and Pastas with Sauce
- Chardonnay Seafood Sauce (with Linguine) from Country Girl in the Village
- Italian-Style Tomato Sauce from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Homemade Guiltless Alfredo Sauce from Momma’s Meals
- Sicilian Marinara Sauce from Growing Up Gabel
- Basil Pesto from Take A Bite Out of Boca
- Angel Hair Pasta with Neapolitan Sauce from Cookin’ Mimi
- Roasted Vegetable Pasta Sauce from Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Lentil Marinara Pasta Sauce from Alida’s Kitchen
- Lamb Ragout from Maroc Mama
- Black Walnut Kale Pesto with Zucchini Spaghetti from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
- Amatriciana Sauce from The Weekend Gourmet
Entrees with Sauces
- Chicken Tikka Masala from I Run For Wine
- Pork Tenderloin with Plum Sauce from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Garlic Mushrooms In Red Wine Sauce from Kudos Kitchen By Renee
- Jack Daniel’s Honey Barbecue Baked Wings from Chocolate Moosey
- Salmon with Homemade Caper Onion Mayonnaise from Food Lust People Love
- Chicken with Mushroom Demi-Glace from Crazy Foodie Stunts
- Mrs. A’s Skillet Lemon Chicken from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Philly Strip Steaks with Provolone Sauce and Caramelized Onions from The Texan New Yorker
- Sweet & Sour Garlic Chicken Wings from Big Bear’s Wife
Sweet Sauces
- Banana Pudding Sauce from Killer Bunnies, Inc
- Raspberry Red Wine Sauce from Treats & Trinkets
- Pumpkin Applesauce from Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
- Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Sauce from Daily Dish Recipes
- Slow Cooker Applesauce from Citronlimette
- Apple Cider Caramel Sauce from The Messy Baker
- Port Wine Cranberry Sauce from Webicurean
- Pumpkin Caramel Sauce from Noshing With The Nolands
Desserts with Sauces
- Sticky Toffee Pudding w/ Toffee Sauce from girlichef
- Salted Bourbon Caramel Sauce (over Chocolate Rosemary Cake) from Gotta Get Baked
- Pear Tatin with Rum Caramel Sauce from Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
- Bananas Foster from MidLife Road Trip
- Baked Espresso Berry Pudding from The Urban Mrs
- Caramel Apple Sheet Cake from Pies and Plots
Join the #SundaySupper Community!
Connect with us on Twitter every Sunday! We host engaging conversations throughout the day, sharing inspiring recipes from culinary enthusiasts around the globe. Our weekly chat officially kicks off at 7:00 PM EST. To join the discussion, simply follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets. For even more fabulous recipes and stunning food photography, make sure to check out our dedicated #SundaySupper Pinterest board.
Interested in becoming a part of the vibrant Sunday Supper Movement? It’s incredibly easy to join our community of passionate food lovers. You can sign up and get started by clicking right here → Sunday Supper Movement.