In our brief stop in Portland, OR last month, and during our sushi dinner with our friend M, somehow we got talking about Dulce de Leche. I mentioned that I've never had it before, and M said she would send me one of her treasured jars so I can try it.
Two days after we got to Maui, we received a priority one box with this jar in it, and a note from M saying that I can try it with apples, toast or just directly from the jar. Well, I tried all these suggestions, I loved it with my apples, on the toast it was delicious, and with a spoon from the jar it was heaven! So, as usual, I was trying to figure out what's all in it, and how one could possibly make it. The results were shocking to me!
The ingredients were, milk, sugar and vanilla. Okay, all sounds good.Can I make it at home?
Sure, just get a can of sweetened condensed milk, peel off the label, stick it in pot that has enough water to submerge the can and let it boil for about an hour and half for liquid dulce de leche, or three hours for more solid form suitable for spreading. (Many sites had this recipe).
No way! Too easy.
So I decided to give it a try.After three hours of boiling the condensed milk can in water(adding water frequently to make sure the can is always covered with water to prevent explosion), I took the can out of the water, let it cool for couple hours, and wallah...
I am still amazed at how easy this whole thing was. I guess the hardest part is making sure there is enough water the whole time as to prevent high pressure building in the can, and possible explosion.
When I tasted my Dulce de Leche, I thought it was delicious, more sugar flavor than the one in the jar, but I thought there is an easy fix for that. It is missing the vanilla flavor, so couple teaspoons of vanilla extract and whisk, refrigerate and it is delicious Dulce de Leche!
Comments (15)
When I was in college, we used to cook cans of sweetened condensed milk in the electric water heaters (for coffee/tea) we kept in our rooms. Dulce de Leche for midnight study snacks! Haven't thought about that in years.
Posted by Amy | March 13, 2009 3:48 AM
Posted on March 13, 2009 03:48
I've never had it before either. Looks and sounds delicious. And I can't remember where I read this, but I did read about someone exploding their can one time!
Posted by Annie | March 13, 2009 7:38 AM
Posted on March 13, 2009 07:38
Hi Candi, this looks and sounds delicious. I'm not sure I have heard of this before either. Learn something everyday from my favorite bloggers.
Thanks so much for sharing!
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | March 13, 2009 8:06 AM
Posted on March 13, 2009 08:06
Thanks! Gotta try this one.
Posted by Kendall | March 13, 2009 9:54 AM
Posted on March 13, 2009 09:54
OMG Candi, I've been eating dulce de leche since I was a wee baby. My mom would spread it on bread or unsalted crackers. It IS dangerous. Very addictive.
Maybe you know this already but Haagen Dazs has a dulce de leche ice cream that is to die for.
Posted by María I. | March 13, 2009 10:05 AM
Posted on March 13, 2009 10:05
Thanks all. I still can't get over how easy this is, and delicious. I work the night shift, so a spread on a toast is the kick I need at 0200 am!
Maria, I do love the ice cream too.
Posted by candi | March 13, 2009 1:11 PM
Posted on March 13, 2009 13:11
Wow, that sounds so good -- I have to confess, I had never before heard of dulce de leche. I think I have to try this tonight.
BTW, how are you supposed to store it? I assume in a sealed container (not the original can) in the fridge?
Posted by sandrac | March 13, 2009 1:32 PM
Posted on March 13, 2009 13:32
Sandra, thanks, I should edit my post to say this: once the can is opened you store in a closed container(perhaps a jam jar?) in the fridge.
I hope you like it, it is sooo good.
Posted by candi | March 13, 2009 2:10 PM
Posted on March 13, 2009 14:10
I never heard of this before, either. Sounds wonderful - I'll have to try it too!
Posted by sheri | March 13, 2009 5:08 PM
Posted on March 13, 2009 17:08
I have never had Dulce de Leche before either. I didn't realize it was so easy to make.
Posted by girasoli | March 14, 2009 5:36 PM
Posted on March 14, 2009 17:36
I also have never heard of doing this. Guess I have led a sheltered life.
It does sound delicious, and I am going to try it!
Thanks, Candi!
Posted by nancyhol | March 14, 2009 8:41 PM
Posted on March 14, 2009 20:41
I made this this morning, awsome! The label on the can said 425 deg. for 50 - 60 min. in a 9 inch pie pan covered with foil setting in a water bath. Thanks again.
Posted by kendall | March 15, 2009 12:37 PM
Posted on March 15, 2009 12:37
I had no idea that is how dulce de leche is made! Wow, sounds so easy!
Posted by Chiocciola | March 15, 2009 2:46 PM
Posted on March 15, 2009 14:46
Yay, Kendall. I too think it is awesome!
Posted by candi | March 16, 2009 3:32 AM
Posted on March 16, 2009 03:32
It makes perfect sense but this was a new one for me - looks pretty good.
Posted by Marcia | March 16, 2009 2:22 PM
Posted on March 16, 2009 14:22