Port Wine Caramel Sauce

When Mr. DD and I were dating I made him a romantic Valentine's Day dinner.  I borrowed my mom's ruby red Cape Cod dishes and made Chicken Marsala.  Granted it was the Campbell's Soup version using Cream of Mushroom Soup, but hey...I was only 21, it's the thought that counts.  A way to a man's heart must really be through his stomach because the following September I got a ring on my finger.  Whether you're a master chef or a novice cook, I truly think there is no better way to express your love for someone than cooking.  This Port Wine Caramel Sauce is the ultimate Valentine's Day dessert.  It's luscious, rich and sounds fancy  But it's actually pretty simple and only uses a few ingredients.  I served it over vanilla ice cream, but I think it would be even yummier over a slice of pound cake.  Try some out on your Valentine.  If he likes it, maybe he'll put a ring on it!

The ultimate Valentine's Day dessert...

Only 5 ingredients

Cook granulated sugar until it melts completely.

Add brown sugar and port wine.

Add heavy cream and vanilla.

Serve warm over ice cream or cake.

Hopefully you'll get a ring on it!
Happy Valentine's Day!

Port Wine Caramel Sauce

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon Port Wine
1 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla

In a medium saucepan over medium high heat stir the granulated sugar until it begins to melt.  Use a heat-safe spatula so you can scrape the sides of the pan and keep the sugar moving.  This takes a little bit of time so be patient.  Keep stirring until sugar is melted and amber in color.  Remove from heat and stir in the brown sugar until it is smooth.  Return to the heat and add the port wine.  The caramel will harden and lump up slightly.  Don't worry, it will melt again.  Cook stirring until the lumps are dissolved and all of the sugar is melted.  Add the cream and stir over heat until the sauce is slightly thickened, approximately 5 minutes.  Remove from heat and add vanilla.  Stir well and transfer sauce to a serving vessel.  Serve warm over ice cream or cake.  Or ice cream and cake.  Enjoy!