Drambuie Butterscotch Sauce

I made a simple but rich sauce recently, because I wanted something more enticing than just plain ol' ice cream.  Since it wasn't accompanying anything - cake, pie, etc. - the ice cream needed a little bit of dressing up.

I didn't have any chocolate in the house, for some inconceivable reason; but I was in the mood for a change from that routine anyway.  Butterscotch was calling to me ... fairly loudly, too.  I had brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and half-and-half.  I even had corn syrup - not an ingredient I want in my peanut butter or any other of the myriad foods it sneaks into, but one which contributes to the right consistency in this recipe.  I was all set.

And then I had a flash of brilliance: Drambuie, a liqueur made with whiskey, honey, and spices.  A little splash of Drambuie would make this such a sophisticated treat!

Put the ingredients in a saucepan, boil, chill - that's it!  So this sauce is ideal if you get short notice about company coming over, or if you just have a craving for something a little special.

This sauce didn't even need the ice cream ... just a spoon is all that's required.

Drambuie Butterscotch Sauce

• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup Drambuie
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 cup half-and-half

Bring sugar, corn syrup, and Drambuie to a boil over medium-high heat in a small saucepan; stir constantly and cook for 5 minutes; mixture will foam up.  Remove from heat, then stir in butter and vanilla.  Stir in half-and-half; mixture will clump a bit, then everything will combine and smooth out.

Place into a jar, cover, and refrigerate until cold; the sauce will thicken.  Can be warmed up slightly to serve over ice cream, cake, fruit ... whatever strikes your fancy.

Makes about 1 cup.