Salted Sesame Caramel

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• Pinch of cream of tartar (optional)
• ¼ cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ⅔ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup sesame seeds, toasted
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt

Steps

1. Bring sugar, cream of tartar, if using, and 3 Tbsp. water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Boil until sugar begins to caramelize in spots. Stir with a heatproof spatula (this will help sugar cook evenly) and cook, stirring occasionally, until the color of honey, 5–7 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramel is a deep amber color, about 5 minutes longer.
2. Remove caramel from heat and carefully whisk in tahini and butter, then cream, sesame seeds, and salt. Let cool slightly before serving.
3. DO AHEAD: Caramel sauce can be made 1 week ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.