Dulce de leche

Dulce de Leche - A Sensational Homemade Sweetness

If you are looking for a simple yet absolutely delicious recipe, look no further! Dulce de leche, this sweetened milk cream, is a true treat for the taste buds. Even though it may seem like a sophisticated recipe, the ingredients are within everyone's reach, and the preparation process will fill your home with caramel aromas that will make your mouth water. Plus, it's a fantastic opportunity to impress your friends and family with a homemade dessert!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours and 10 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 10 servings (depending on the amount used per serving)

Required ingredients:

- 1000 ml fresh whole cow's milk (ideal for a rich taste)
- 500 g granulated sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 1 packet of bourbon vanilla sugar (for an aromatic and sophisticated taste)

A bit of history

Dulce de leche has a fascinating history, being a traditional dish in many cultures. It is a symbol of homemade sweets, reminding us of the moments spent with family when grandparents spoiled us with homemade delicacies. In fact, this versatile ingredient can be used not only as a dessert but also to enrich various recipes for cakes, pancakes, or even hot drinks.

Preparing Dulce de Leche

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

Make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. Use fresh, whole milk to achieve a creamy consistency and a rich taste. Bourbon vanilla sugar is optional, but we recommend it for its subtle vanilla aroma, which will enhance the flavor.

Step 2: Heating the milk

In a heavy-bottomed pot (a cauldron is ideal), pour in the milk and add the granulated sugar along with the vanilla sugar. Mix well to ensure the sugar dissolves completely. It is important to use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent sticking and burning of the mixture.

Step 3: Cooking on low heat

Place the pot on low heat and let it simmer. It is essential to stir occasionally, approximately every 10 minutes, to avoid crust formation or sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cooking on low heat will allow the sugar to caramelize gradually, giving that delicious caramel flavor that makes dulce de leche so special.

Step 4: Observing the consistency

After about 3 hours of slow cooking, the mixture should take on a golden color and a syrup-like consistency. You can do a simple test: take a spoonful of the mixture and let it drip; if it forms a thick thread, it's ready!

Step 5: Bottling

Once the dulce de leche has reached the desired consistency, carefully pour it into sterilized jars. This is a perfect time to use jars with lids so you can keep the sweetness fresh for longer.

Step 6: Cooling

Let the jars cool to room temperature, then place them in the refrigerator. Dulce de leche keeps well for about 3 months, so don't hesitate to make a larger batch!

Serving suggestions

Dulce de leche can be enjoyed in many ways! We recommend using it as a filling for pancakes, as a topping for ice cream, or even as an ingredient in cakes and cookies. You can combine it with roasted nuts or fresh fruits for an explosion of flavors. It is also delicious in hot drinks, added to coffee or hot chocolate.

Creative variations

If you want to experiment, here are a few variations you can try:

- Sea salt dulce de leche: Add a pinch of sea salt at the end for a delicious contrast between sweet and salty.
- Flavored dulce de leche: You can add cinnamon or almond extract to enhance the flavors.
- Cocoa dulce de leche: Mix in a little cocoa powder for a chocolatey version!

Helpful tips

- Be patient: Cooking dulce de leche takes time and patience. Don't rush and don't increase the temperature, as it risks burning.
- Use a kitchen thermometer: If you want to be precise, dulce de leche should reach a temperature of about 105-110 degrees Celsius.
- Care when labeling: Make sure to label the jars with the preparation date, so you'll always know when it's time to consume them.

Frequently asked questions

1. What can I do if dulce de leche becomes too hard?
If you notice that dulce de leche is becoming too hard, you can add a little warm milk and mix well until it reaches the desired consistency.

2. Can I use skim milk?
While whole milk is preferred for a richer taste and texture, you can use skim milk, but dulce de leche will be less creamy.

3. How can I use dulce de leche in other recipes?
You can use dulce de leche as a filling for cakes, a topping for pancakes, or even as an ingredient in drinks. It is versatile and integrates well into many dishes!

In conclusion, dulce de leche is not just a simple dessert, but also an opportunity to explore flavors and create unforgettable moments in the kitchen. Happy cooking and don't forget to share this delicacy with your loved ones!