bourbon butterscotch sauce

1.5 c whipping cream
1.5 c sugar
5 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla
.5 tsp lemon juice
2-3 tbsp bourbon

heat cream over medium heat to just boiling.  remove from heat.  place sugar in large skillet or heavy saucepan and heat over medium-high heat until sugar begins to melt, shaking skillet occasionally to heat sugar evenly.  reduce heat to low; cook until sugar is melted and golden brown, about 5 more minutes.  stir as necessary after sugar begins to melt.  carefully add hot cream to caramelized sugar.  mixture will spatter and steam.  cook and stir about 1 minute more to dissolve sugar lumps.  remove from heat.

stir in butter, vanilla, lemon juice, and bourbon.  cool and serve warm or at room temperature over ice cream, cake, or fruit.  sauce can be covered and chilled for several days.  reheat before serving.  makes about 2 cups sauce.