To make sweetened whipped cream, combine 1 cup cold heavy cream, 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla in an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on high speed until the cream forms soft peaks. When making caramel, if even a grain of sugar drops into the hot mixture, it may cause the caramel to solidify. While you're cooking the mixture, use a wet brush to brush down any stray grains of sugar on the side of the pan.