Dulce de Leche - Croatian Style

Ingredients

While the original Argentinian dulce de leche is made with condensed milk, our Croatian adaptation incorporates a local twist. Instead of using condensed milk, we will be using fresh cow's milk and sugar to create a homemade caramel sauce. This modification allows us to infuse the dish with a unique Croatian flavor while still maintaining the essence of dulce de leche. We alse have the original recipe for Dulce de leche, so you can check it out.

• 1 liter (4 cups) fresh cow's milk 1 liter (4 cups) fresh cow's milk
• 300g (1 ½ cups) granulated sugar 300g (1 ½ cups) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 160 kcal / 670 KJ
• Fat: 4g (2g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (30g sugars)
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large saucepan, combine the fresh cow's milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
2. 2.
   Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the sugar has completely dissolved.
3. 3.
   Once the sugar has dissolved, reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for approximately 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. 4.
   As the mixture simmers, it will gradually thicken and turn a golden brown color. Continue to stir occasionally to prevent burning.
5. 5.
   After 2 hours, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the dulce de leche cool to room temperature.
6. 6.
   Once cooled, transfer the dulce de leche to a sterilized jar or container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow it to set.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Milk — Use fresh cow's milk for the best results. Avoid using skim or low-fat milk, as the higher fat content contributes to the richness of the dulce de leche.

Tips & Tricks

• Stir the mixture occasionally while simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
• If you prefer a darker and more intense caramel flavor, you can simmer the mixture for an additional 30 minutes.
• For a touch of Croatian flair, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the dulce de leche before serving.

Serving advice

Dulce de leche is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it drizzled over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream for a decadent dessert. It can also be used as a filling for cakes, pastries, or crepes. For a traditional Croatian twist, spread it on fresh bread or krafne (Croatian doughnuts) for a delightful treat.

Presentation advice

When serving dulce de leche, consider presenting it in a small jar or ramekin to showcase its rich caramel color. You can also garnish it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant touch.