Make sweetened condensed milk with ingredients that are probably already in your kitchen.

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

I have used condensed milk all my life.

There was always a can of condensed milk in the cupboard when I was growing up.

Spoonful of Homemade Condensed Milk Lifted from a Jar on a Coaster, and in the Background, a Kitchen Towel and a Teacup

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

While we ate, my dad would make himself chicory coffee with a big dollop of condensed milk.

What Is Condensed Milk?

Condensed milk is milk that has been condensed by means of heat.

Jar of Homemade Condensed Milk Surrounded by a Spoon With Condensed Milk, a Plate, and a Kitchen Towel

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

And it becomes sweeter; another very important ingredient in condensed milk is sugar.

(If there was no sugar added it would be evaporated milk.)

Sugar is added not only for sweetness; it prolongs shelf life.

Spoonful of Homemade Condensed Milk Poured Into a Cup of Coffee, and in the Background, a Kitchen Towel and a Jar With More Condensed Milk

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

History of Condensed Milk

In the 1850s, there was little available refrigeration for dairy products.

The ship was carrying livestock to provide food for passengers and the crew.

During that trip, the cows became sick and died.

Milk Mixture Whisked in a Pan on the Stove for Homemade Condensed Milk Recipe

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Children on the ship drank milk from the sick cows and they became very ill.

Through this experience, Borden became passionate about finding a way to preserve milk for safe consumption.

In doing so it eliminates the requirement of heat in the condensation process.

Homemade Condensed Milk Mixture Boiling in a Pan on a Stove

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Unfortunately, his first two attempts using this technology failed.

Label and date; it will last for 1 month in the refrigerator.

The condensed milk will become thicker as it cools.

Spatula Used Stir Condensed Milk Recipe in Pan on the Stove

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Turn the heat to medium high.

Whisk the milk until the sugar is dissolved.

Allow the milk to come to a very gentle simmer.

Homemade Condensed Milk Boiling Down in a Pan on the Stove

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Once the sugar is dissolved, lower the heat to maintain a simmer.

Do not whisk again (more whisking will create crystals on the sides of the pan).

Do not allow the milk to go beyond simmering.

Vanilla Extract Added to Pan With Homemade Condensed Milk Recipe

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

If you see the milk foaming up, lower the heat immediately to prevent burning and spilling.

This may take 30 to 45 minutes.

Stir in the vanilla.

Homemade Condensed Milk Run Through a Sieve Into a Jar

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

If there are solids or foam in the condensed milk, pour it through a wire strainer.

Initially, your condensed milk may seem thin.

It will become thicker as it cools.

Jar of Homemade Condensed Milk on a Coaster With a Spoon in It, and in the Background, a Kitchen Towel and a Teacup

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Place cooled condensed milk in a container with a tight-fitting lid and label with the date it was made.

It will last for 1 month in the refrigerator.

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