Easiest Ever (and BEST) Dulce de Leche (caramel sauce!)

Gooey . . . yummy  . . . and easiest EVER Dulce de Leche.  

This super easy recipe had been around for ages!  I made it for the first time about 30 years ago.  Now, thanks to Pinterest, it’s getting some new press.  I encourage you to give it a try.  You will NOT regret doing so!

No mixing.  No measuring.  No candy thermometer needed.  And you will NEVER buy caramel sauce ever again once you make your own like this.

All you need is a can (or THREE!) of sweetened condensed milk  . . .

(BE SURE to but the cans withOUT the tab top.  I’ve heard that the tabs ‘can’ pop open under the pressure of the cooking process.  Better safe than sorry!)

Remove the label and put the unopened can (or canS!) in a big pot of water.  Be sure they are completely covered by the water.  Lay your can on its SIDE to avoid hearing it ‘clank around’ during the boiling process.

Bring water to a boil, turn down to a simmer and let it simmer 3 hours.  Don’t let that length of time discourage you from trying this!  It is SO worth it.   You don’t need to stand over your pot and constantly watch it, so you can easily multi-task while you make it.

Do it while you are baking Christmas cookies, or decorating your tree, or addressing Christmas cards . or watching your favorite Christmas movies . . . . . ALL you need to do is peek in on your pot of boiling water every 30-45 minutes to be sure your can is still completely covered; top off the water if needed.

Three hours of cooking time will give you a thick creamy SAUCE.  If you want it THICKER, cook it for 4 hours.  Once cooking time is up remove pan from heat and let cool for half an hour or so.  Remove can from pan with tongs and place on a cooling rack (keep can on its side during cooling time).  Let it cool overnight.

Once cool, open and ENJOY!  Serve it as a dip for fresh fruit for your Christmas party.  Drizzle it over popcorn.  Add it to your favorite Chex Mix recipe.  Dip shortbread or biscotti in it.  Add a spoonful to your morning cup of coffee.  Make yourself a Hot Caramel Rum beverage (instead of a ‘hot buttered rum!’ Drizzle a little over your bowl of oatmeal.  Dip a salted nut in it for a sweet and salty treat.  Or just enjoy a spoonful!

I like to give these as ‘gifts’ to friends and neighbors along with a plate of Christmas cookies, or their favorite coffee beans (or k-pods!) so I add a pretty Christmas paper label.

And some pretty papers on the tops, and a tag with serving suggestions written on it.

After you have opened your can, IF you have any left, transfer the rest into a covered glass jar or plastic refrigerator container.

There are also recipes (on Pinterest, of course!) for making the same sauce in a crock pot or pressure cooker.

Try it.  You’ll LOVE it!