Caramelized Milk Cajeta Or Dulce De Leche Recipes

CARAMEL IN A CAN (DULCE DE LECHE)

Steps:

• Remove label from the can of condensed milk. Place unopened can in a 3 1/2- to 4 1/2-quart slow cooker. Pour water into the slow cooker until the can is completely covered with water. Put lid on the slow cooker.
• Cook on High for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours, making sure the can is always covered with water. Remove hot can with tongs; allow to cool until safe to handle, at least 25 minutes. Open can and pour contents into a lidded bowl. Stir in vanilla extract.

HOMEMADE CAJETA {GOATS MILK CARAMEL}

Steps:

• Place the milk, piloncillo, and cinnamon stick in a large saucepan (larger than you think you'll need), over medium to medium-high heat, reserving a small amount of goats milk to be mixed with the baking soda. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar.
• Once simmering, remove the pot from the heat and carefully add in the dissolved baking soda and goats milk. The mixture will froth up violently, nearly doubling in volume. Once the bubbling subsides, return the pot to the heat, and bring it back to a steady simmer.
• Cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid has reduced and thickened (mine took about 1½ hours, but your time may vary depending on your stove and pot). Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot as you stir, and adjust the heat if necessary as the sauce reduces to avoid scorching. The cajeta is ready when it is the consistency of warm honey or maple syrup, and a rich golden color. Remove from the heat and let cool.
• Stir in the vanilla extract, and any other add-ins, if using. Pour into a jar or other sealed container, and store in the fridge for up to a few weeks.
• (The cajeta will thicken significantly as it cools, and once refrigerated will become quite firm. It can be softened again by placing the jar, without the lid, in the microwave for a few seconds, or in a shallow pot of simmering water.)

CAJETA * GOAT'S MILK DULCE DE LECHE

Steps:

• Stir together the milk and sugar in a medium sauce pan. Add the cinnamon stick, baking soda, and vanilla.
• Bring just to a boil, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar, and then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until you've reached your desired color. Remove the cinnamon stick and pour the cajeta into heat-safe jars. Store in the refrigerator.

CARAMELIZED MILK (CAJETA OR DULCE DE LECHE)

Steps:

• Empty the sweetened condensed milk into a large microwave safe bowl.
• Microwave on medium power for two minutes and stir with a wire whisk.
• Microwave on medium power for another two minutes and stir.
• Return to the microwave for 16 to 24 minutes on medium-low power or until milk turns thick and caramel color, stirring every few minutes.
• Be careful, this will get very hot.
• Let cool and serve over pancakes, toast, etc.

MANJAR OR DULCE DE LECHE - TRADITIONAL STOVETOP PREPARATION

Steps:

• Combine all the ingredients in large pot over medium low heat, stir until the sugar or panela is well dissolved. Reduce the heat to low.
• Continue cooking until the mixture is significantly reduced and starts to thicken while the color changes from a creamy beige to a caramel tone - it will take between 2 ½ hours to 3 hours for the dulce de leche to be done.
• During the first 1 ½ hours you will need to stir occasionally to prevent it from boiling over and sticking. During the last hour it needs to be stirred more frequently and has to be watched very closely to keep it from burning - you can also decrease the heat to low. Cook it until it has a dark amber or caramel tone and has a creamy consistency. Keep in mind that it will thicken more when it cools down.
• Can be served warm or cold and must be kept refrigerated.

CAJETA - MEXICAN GOAT MILK DULCE DE LECHE

Steps:

• In a heavy-bottomed pot on medium-low heat, combine goat milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon stick, and sugar. Simmer and stir periodically with a wooden spoon until sugar is dissolved, about ten minutes. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot well so that no sugar sticks. Tip: Choose a pot that is larger than you think you'll need just in case the mixture starts to bubble up. You don't want to clean burnt sugar off of the stove top.
• Dissolve baking soda in water and add to milk/sugar mixture. This helps prevent lumps and aids in caramelizing.
• Reduce heat to low and cook for three hours, stirring periodically, or until the mixture has thickened and coats the back of a spoon. The volume should be roughly 1/4 of what you started with. Note that as the volume decreases, the mixture will come to more of a boil and you'll need to stir more often. For the last half hour, I recommend stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat and discard the cinnamon stick. Cool and transfer to jars and refrigerate.

REAL MEXICAN CAJETA (GOAT'S MILK CARAMEL OR DULCE DE LECHE)

Steps:

• In a large, heavy pot (not iron), combine the milk, sugar, and vanilla, and place over medium heat. Stir regularly until the milk comes to a simmer and sugar is dissolved. Remove the pot from the heat and add dissolved baking soda; it will bubble up at this point, especially with goat's milk. When the bubbles have subsided, return it to the heat.
• Adjust heat so that the mixture is simmering briskly but not boiling. Cook, stirring regularly, until the mixture turns pale golden, about one hour.
• You will now need to stir the milk more regularly as it begins to thicken and turns a caramel-brown color. Don't allow the milk to stick to the bottom of the pot. You can drop a few drops into a small glass of water. If a soft ball forms, the cajeta is ready.
• If you take the pot off the heat and allow the cajeta to cool, it should be a medium-thick sauce. If it's too thick, add hot water, 1 tablespoon at a time until it is the proper consistency. If it is too thin, return to the heat until it thickens.
• When the cajeta is cool, remove the vanilla bean. Strain the cajeta through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl or wide-mouthed jar, then scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the cajeta. Refrigerate until ready to use. Cajeta is best served warm.