Mark Bittman was right.

If you haven't done so already, you must try your hand at making caramel. It is more exciting than watching muffins bake (and I already think watching muffins bake is very exciting). It's really quite magical to watch the sugar transform from simple syrup to golden brown, then to a milky amber as you add the cream and butter. The element of danger makes it all the more fun. Knowing the stuff will be like liquid napalm when spilled on your arm makes stirring it in short sleeves an adventure.