Ingredients

2 cups sugar 

1/2 cup water 

1 cup heavy cream 

1 vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise 

2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 

2 tablespoons unsalted butter 

1 tablespoon bourbon 

Preparation

Combine sugar and water in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Without stirring, cook until dark amber, swirling pan carefully while cooking, about 12 minutes.

Reduce heat to low. Slowly add the cream, stirring with a wooden spoon. Scrape vanilla seeds into pan; add pod. Add lemon juice, butter, and bourbon. Stir to combine. Remove pod.

Cover, and store, refrigerated, up to 1 week. Bring sauce to room temperature, or warm over low heat, before using.