*  Exported from  MasterCook II  *
 
                               Caramel Sauce
 
 Recipe By     : 
 Serving Size  : 1    Preparation Time :0:00
 Categories    : Vietnamese                       Condiment
                 Ceideburg 2
 
   Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
 --------  ------------  --------------------------------
      1/3  cup           Sugar
      1/4  cup           Nuoc mam (Vietnamese fish -- sauce)
    4                    Shallots -- thinly sliced
                         Freshly ground pepper
 
 Thought your reference to cooking sugar syrup to “caramelize” it was
interesting.  It reminded me of a sauce that's used in Vietnamese cuisine. It's
used in a variety of recipes and turns out to be the “secret” ingredient that
gives barbecued Vietnamese stuff that unique taste when used as a marinade for
strips of beef, chicken or pork.  I use it in Satay recipes.  The result is a
subtle, delicious taste.
 It also gives a nice glazed finish to stuff.  Its use shouldn't be limited to
Asian cuisine. In fact, I suspect that this is originally a French influence...
 
   “...the only rule to remember is to turn off the smoke alarm and open all the
 windows, as the sauce will smoke heavily, with a pungent smell.” [I didn't
 find this to be much of a problem.  S.C..] Cook the sugar in a small heavy
 saucepan over low heat, swirling the pan constantly, until brown. It will
 smoke slightly.  Immediately remove the pan from the heat and stir the fish
 sauce into the caramel, being careful to guard against splattering (the
 mixture will bubble vigorously).
 
   Return the mixture to low heat and gently boil, swirling the pan
 occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved, about 3 minutes. Add
 the shallots and ground pepper to taste; stir to combine. Use in recipes where
 required.  [Or, as I noted, as a marinade for BBQ stuff. S.C..] 
   NOTE:  Cool this sauce thoroughly before using.  If cold food is added to a
 caramel sauce that is hot, the sugar will harden instantly and you'll end up
 with a dish full of candy chips.
 
  Yield: 1/3 cup.
 
   From “The Foods of Vietnam” by Nicole Rauthier.  Stewart, Tabori & Chang.
 1989.
 
   You can multiply the recipe and keep it on hand for when needed.  It stores
 well.
 
  Posted by Stephen Ceideburg; December 20 1990.
 
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