Watch video linked above. Making caramel is very hot business! Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go and keep children away from area. Do not use a rubber spatula. It will melt.

Place sugar in a heavy bottomed fairly deep pan on med/high heat.

Use a wooden spoon or silicon spatula to push sugar around.

As sugar melts it will first start to clump, then crystallize and finally become liquid. This takes about five minutes.

When sugar is completely melted and the color of caramel, carefully add butter (watch video for tips).

The butter will bubble up…hence the fairly deep pan. Stir till butter is melted.

When butter is completely melted, turn off heat.

Carefully add cream in a slow and consistent drizzle while stirring. Whisk until smooth.

Add sea salt and/or vanilla if desired.

Allow to cool 5 minutes before serving.