Homemade Dulce de Leche

Dulce de Leche is widely common in South America and it is becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world. This creamy and thick caramel-like spread can be eaten as is or used to make all kinds of desserts,  and although popular, is still not easy to find at American grocery stores. The good news is that you can make your own dulce de leche at home using only 2 ingredients - one of them being water! 


The second and main ingredient used in this recipe is sweetened condensed milk. Here is what you have to do:

First, remove the wrapper from the sweetened condensed milk can. You may cook one or several cans at once. The dulce de leche keeps for several months in the fridge before opening.

Place the can (s) inside a tall pot (the can may be either upright or on its side) and submerge it so the water level is two times the height of the can:

Cover the pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Cook it for 2 hours and 45 minutes (if you have a pressure cooker, you only need to cook it for 45 minutes). Make sure to occasionally check if the water level is right - the can(s) should always be submerged in water. Turn off the heat and allow the can to cool completely before opening it with the help of a can opener.

Here is what it should look like:

You may simply spread it over your favorite cracker or cookie, or use it to make a variety of desserts.

 I will be sharing ideas of how to use your dulce de leche. Stay tuned!