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Method

1. Place the cream, sugar and butter in a saucepan over a medium heat and let the sugar dissolve completely. CAUTION: boiling sugar is extremely hot. Handle very carefully. Use a deep pan to avoid bubbling over.

2. Resist the temptation to stir the mixture so you avoid the sugar splashing up the sides of the pan (this will result in a grainy sauce). Instead, hold the pan and gently swirl the sauce in a circular motion. Be patient, and once everything has dissolved increase the temperature to medium-high. Avoid stirring until the sauce begins to turn a darker colour, using the swirling motion to move the sauce around the pan.

3. As the sauce bubbles up it will turn browner. Now is the time to stir to prevent burning. This is very hot so please avoid the temptation to dip your finger in and have a taste!

4. Lay the vanilla pod flat on a chopping board, if using. Use a sharp knife to slice the pod lengthways down the middle, creating two long halves. To collect the seeds, scrape the back of the knife down the inside length of each half.

5. Continue stirring gently until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon and turned a dark brown colour. Remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla seeds or extract. Store the sauce in the fridge until ready to use.