Rich Caramel Sauce

Cook first 3 ingredients in a Dutch oven over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until butter melts; remove mixture from heat.

Bring sugar, 1/2 cup water, and lemon juice to a boil in a Dutch oven over high heat, stirring occasionally.

Reduce heat to medium-high, and boil, stirring occasionally, 8 minutes or until mixture begins to brown.

Reduce heat to medium, and cook, stirring, 5 minutes or until mixture is caramel colored.

Pour sugar mixture gradually into whipping cream mixture. Remove from heat; let stand 1 minute.

Whisk until smooth.

Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until a candy thermometer registers 230° (thread stage); cool.

Makes 2 1/2 cups sauce.