Easy Entertaining – Savvy Shortcuts

Here is a simple [cheater of a] dessert that can be prepared ahead of time using a combination of store-bought items with just the slightest gourmet touch…Assemble now, even for use on Sunday!
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bites
For the Cheesecake:
1 Box Jello No-Bake Cheesecake Mix, prepared according to package (you’ll need a little granulated sugar, melted butter, cold milk and a hour or two of refrigeration for the preparation)…
For the Caramel:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/3 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2+ teaspoon fleur de sel or sea salt

And here’s what to do!
Instead of using a 9″ pie plate, I used mini muffin tins (with baking cups) to get bite-sized ditties – great for entertaining a larger crowd.
In order to prepare the homemade caramel – add the sugar, water and corn syrup to a medium saucepan.  Bring to a boil over medium heat – watching closely and stirring a couple of times.  
Once it begins to boil, it will start to turn brown.  Once it seems to be a solid medium brown, immediately remove from heat and add cream and butter.  Stir well.  
Add the salt until fully incorporated.
Place the caramel (may seem thin) in a bowl covered with plastic wrap into the fridge for a few hours or over night.
Once the cheesecake bites are set and the caramel is completely cooled, carefully unwrap the bites and top with a small spoonful (I used two teaspoons) of the salted caramel.  
Sprinkle with a dash of salt before serving. 
Voila!
[photo shot by me]