Technique Post: Dulce de leche #1 - In the microwave

[a_boleyn]

I've always been curious to taste this sweet, milky confection but haven't found it locally, so I thought I'd try to make it myself.

The techniques described involved boiling the can in a water bath on top of the stove or in the oven, over the course of 2-3 hours. Monitoring the water level to prevent explosions or burning didn't exactly appeal to

Comments

[ext_870394]

I've never made Dulce de leche before so I'm not an expert. But this is a fun post and it's like a science class. :) I'm amazed with all the food cooked by microwave and this can be next it!

[a_boleyn]

I have a whole cookbook on microwave recipes but haven't actually tried it out. I know it's good for more than reheating foods and boiling water. :)

I want to try to make a better batch of dulce de leche but since I don't want to be wasteful, I am considering cutting the 'caramel like' stuff in the jar into cubes and covering them with melted chocolate.

[anonymous]

My Mom used to do this but boiling it in the can; I'm sure she wouldn't have known it could explode otherwise she would likely not have done it. I wonder if you cook the caramel a bit longer could you make the soft caramel candies? Oh how I love those. To be honest, I would find it very difficult not to grab a spoon and start pigging out on that stuff, I love caramel so much.
You could also use this caramel as a filling for cookies. or you could send it to me ;-)
Eva http://kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com/

[a_boleyn]

I scooped some a big chunk out with a soup spoon last night to test consistency and found I could form it into balls, and this was while the stuff was at room temperature. I'm sure it would firm up a lot more if placed in the fridge. Oh, and then I had to eat the contents.

Too firm to put it between two cookies as I think the cookies would break but I would be happy to send it your way. :) Cause I still have an idea of what I want to do with the real thing. Maybe I'll try the oven method at 425 deg F for 50-60 min.

[ext_1113683]

Mmmm it is dangerous for me to make it so easily - my secret addiction :D

Cheers
Choc Chip Uru

[a_boleyn]

When I make it again, I'm going to stop at 12 minutes. :)

[ext_1024703]

I have been curious about making Dulce de lech myself but since I lately gave away my microwave due to health concerns I think I will have to go down the oven path

[a_boleyn]

Good luck. I'm going to try again as well ... maybe I'll try the oven route in which case I'll post the info.

[anonymous]

Very interesting! I am one of those who make it with a closed can covered in water and cooked for 2-3 hours. It always works perfectly and since I'm never in a hurry, I don't mind (I just check once or twice if there is enough water and make sure from the beginning that the pan is very high compared to the can and of course filled with water). I have heard that many things can be cooked in a microwave, but sadly I only use it to reheat or defrost food... Sissi (http://www.withaglass.com)

[a_boleyn]

How can you tell though, when the can is closed, how dark the inside is? The range of 2-3 hrs is pretty wide. How dark is it at 2 hrs compared to 3? Inquiring minds need to know. :)

[anonymous]

I have never wondered and have never thought it can be overcooked since the can is closed... It cannot dry out. It should be left until it cools down, so the can stays for hours in the warm water after it stops cooking. I am very curious to learn if there is a difference between 2 or 3 hours because I think I always aimed at 2h30, but if it was 30 minutes more I never paid attention... Sissi

[a_boleyn]

In some of the recipes I read it says that you can get clumps on the bottom of the can of the dulce de leche so you should scoop it all out and use a whisk to stir it until these lumps get incorporated into the rest of the mixture and it smooths out. I wonder if that's the part that overcooked since it was closer to the heat. By the way, I didn't simmer the water ... it was closer to a boil. Not a rolling boil like at a setting of 7-8 (high) on an electric stove but at 4-5 which is medium.

I was going to cook it for 2 1/2 hrs but then I had to let the dough for the fatayer rise for another half an hour anyway so I let the mixture cook for 3 hrs instead. Definitely will try 2 hrs now. :)