Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• Pinch of cream of tartar (optional)
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

1. Bring sugar, cream of tartar, if using, and 3 tablespoons 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 to 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.