Dulce de leche (caramel)

One of the most typical candy in Latin America is the "Dulce de leche" (caramel); therefore to celebrate the Columbus Day we propose to make this rich product.

The "dulce de leche" (caramel) is different called depending on the country: cajeta en México, arequipe en Colombia y Venezuela ó manjar en Chile y Ecuador.

The ingredients needed are:

• 1 litre of whole milk;
• 300 grams of sugar;
• half spoon of baking soda;
• 1 spoon of vanilla extract.

The steps for processing are:

1. Heat the milk with the sugar (medium heat) until it is melt;
2. Add the baking soda and vanilla and continue stirring;
3. Boil the mix (low heat) for a couple of hours, stirring it with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan;
4. When the mix has a similar consistency like a custard, remove it from heat and leave it to  cool.

Finally, you can serve it with some delicious pancakes or ice cream.