Creme Caramel

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. For caramel, combine sugar and 1/2 cup water in a medium saucepan.
2. 2
   Be sure all sugar granules are washed down from pot sides.
3. 3
   Cook over moderate heat, swirling pan occasionally, until color is golden brown and mixture smells like caramel.
4. 4
   Often you need to cook it a bit darker than you would imagine.
5. 5
   This should take 10 to 15 minutes.
6. 6
   Pour enough caramel into a 9-inch round cake pan to coat bottom and sides.
7. 7
   Swirl to coat and reserve.
8. 8
   Add remaining water to caramel in saucepan.
9. 9
   Bring to a boil and cook over moderate heat until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes.
10. 10
    Occasionally stir and brush down sides with a pastry brush dipped in cold water.
11. 11
    This process prevents crystallization of the sugar.
12. 12
    Set this caramel sauce aside at room temperature, then chill until serving time.