Dulces de Leche (Mexican Milk Candies)

Dulces de Leche, also known as jamoncillos or leche quemada, are a beloved Mexican milk candy with a rich history spanning centuries. These sweet treats, made from simple ingredients like milk and sugar, transform into deliciously creamy morsels that have a special place in Mexican culinary tradition.

Ingredients

🥛 3 cups whole milk
🍚 3 cups white sugar
🍃 1 teaspoon vanilla bean
🥄 1 teaspoon baking soda
🌰 1/2 cup pecans (optional)

Instructions

1- Prepare the Ingredients:

• Gather all your ingredients and a large pot. Make sure you have heat-resistant gloves and cupcake cups or a pan ready for shaping the candies.

2- Start the Cooking Process:

• In the large pot, add the whole milk, white sugar, vanilla bean, and baking soda. Stir well to combine.

3- Boil and Stir:

• Place the pot over high heat. Stir constantly until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, continuing to stir to prevent burning.

4- Cook Until Thickened:

• Continue stirring as the mixture gradually changes color to a rich brown and thickens to a paste-like consistency. This process may take some time, so be patient and diligent in stirring to avoid scorching.

5- Shape the Candy:

• Once the desired consistency is reached, use heat-resistant gloves to handle the paste. If desired, mix in the pecans or simply sprinkle them on top.

6- Form and Cool:

• Quickly shape the mixture into small balls and place them into cupcake cups, or spread it evenly into a pan and cut it into squares. Work swiftly, as the candy hardens as it cools.

7- Troubleshooting Hardening:

• If the paste hardens too much to work with, add a small amount of water or knead with wet hands to bring it back to a workable consistency.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: Makes approximately 24 candies
Equipment: Large pot, wooden spoon, heat-resistant gloves, cupcake cups or baking pan

Cooking Tips:

• Be sure to stir constantly to prevent the mixture from sticking and burning.
• Work quickly when shaping, as the candy will harden as it cools.

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Dulces de Leche (Mexican Milk Candies)