Caramel milk spread, known as dulce de leche in Spanish, is a popular sweet in Latin American countries. When you cook milk and sugar together, the mixture browns and reduces into a thick, sweet spread. You can use the caramel in many dessert applications, such as a topping for cookies, a filling for cakes or a flavoring for ice cream. You can buy jarred dulce de leche, but why would you when you can make your own fresh?
Instructions
1. Combine the milk, sugar, vanilla and baking soda in a heavy saucepan.
2. Gently bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently so the milk does not scorch. Reduce the heat so the milk is barely simmering.
3. Cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the color has darkened and the caramel spread is thick. Stir often to prevent burning or sticking.
4. Pour the caramel spread through a mesh strainer to remove any lumps, then let it cool. Store in a tightly covered glass jar in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Tags: caramel spread, dulce leche, milk sugar