This has got to be one of the most unappetizing pictures that I've ever posted.

Why this post is happening:
I've really wanted to try this for a long time.
I've seen so many other bloggers doing this.  (therefore I can too)
Who doesn't like dulce de leche?
I really wanted to make the cookies that you are going to see in the next post.

The first time I came across 'dulce de leche' it was a 'Haagen dazs' flavour.  It looked like caramel on the package and I was going to be alone for the weekend.  So, it came home with me and kept me company while D was away and kept me hittin' the pavement hard when he came back... worth every step though ;-)

Dulce de leche is like caramel and you can buy it in specialty shops and pay whatever for it.  However, after much deliberation and desperation to make some cookies that are soon to come, I decided that it was worth trying to make it on my own.

Having never attempted it before I can now tell you that it was stupidly easy.  I didn't have any problems with the can both in the cooking and in the opening.  The result looked pretty damn much like the same crap they sell you in the 'special' shops and tasted as good as any I've ever experienced.  In short... do it.

This is what the can looked like after 3 1/2 hrs in a water bath

Stupid easy 'Dulce de leche'
makes as many cans as you want...

1 (or so) cans of Sweetened condensed milk
1 big pot with lid
water

Remove wrapper from can.
Place can in pot.
Cover can with water.
Bring to boil, cover and let it simmer for about  3 1/2 - 4 hours.  Cool completely, removing from the water whenever you can lift it out without burning yourself ('cause i used my hands).  Wait 'til it cools and then open her up....