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| Condensed Milk Goodies |
Condensed milk is a versatile ingredient that's often used in desserts and baked goods. It's made by removing most of the water from regular milk and adding sugar, resulting in a thick and sweet product that can be stored for a long time without spoiling. Condensed milk has been around for over 150 years, and its history is quite interesting.
Condensed milk was first developed in the early 19th century as a way to preserve milk without refrigeration. The process was invented by Gail Borden, a New York-based inventor and businessman, who wanted to find a way to provide a safe and reliable source of milk for people in the United States. Borden patented his method of condensing milk in 1856, and his product became a popular staple for soldiers during the Civil War.
Over the years, condensed milk has become a popular ingredient in many different cuisines. It's used in everything from fudge and caramel to flan and cakes, and its sweet and creamy flavor is beloved by many. In this post, we'll explore some delicious recipes that use condensed milk and show you how versatile this ingredient can be.
Recipe#1 Tres Leches Cake:
Tres Leches Cake, also known as "three milk cake", is a classic Latin American dessert that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. The cake is soaked in a mixture of three types of milk - condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk - which makes it incredibly moist and delicious. Topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, this cake is a showstopper at any event.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
5 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the milk mixture:
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
1 cup whole milk
For the whipped cream:
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the surface with a spatula.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, prepare the milk mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk until well combined.
When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. Let the cake cool completely.
To make the whipped cream, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Serve the Tres Leches Cake chilled, topped with fresh fruit if desired. Enjoy!
Recipe#2 Fudge:
If you're a chocolate lover, this fudge recipe is the perfect treat for you. Made with just a few ingredients, including sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips, this recipe is easy to make and the result is a rich and creamy fudge that will satisfy your sweet cravings.
Ingredients:
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate chips and butter are melted and the mixture is smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the surface with a spatula.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Once the fudge is firm, lift it out of the baking dish using the parchment paper or aluminum foil. Cut into squares.
Serve and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Recipe#3 Lemon Bars:
If you're a fan of tangy and sweet desserts, these lemon bars are the perfect treat for you. Made with a buttery crust and a creamy filling that's bursting with lemon flavor, this recipe is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The best part? They're made with sweetened condensed milk, which adds a rich and creamy texture to the filling.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Pinch of salt
For the filling:
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
3 large egg yolks
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy. Add the flour and mix until just combined.
Press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg yolks until well combined.
Pour the filling over the hot crust and return the baking dish to the oven.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the filling is set.
Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
Once the lemon bars are firm, cut them into squares and serve. Enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Recipe#4 Caramel Flan:
Caramel Flan is a classic dessert that's popular in many Latin American countries. It's a creamy custard that's topped with caramel sauce, and it's made with a few simple ingredients, including sweetened condensed milk. With its smooth and silky texture, this dessert is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the caramel:
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
For the custard:
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place a large roasting pan in the oven and fill it with enough water to come up halfway on the sides of a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved. Stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the mixture turns a deep amber color.
Pour the caramel into the bottom of the cake pan, swirling to coat the bottom. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the custard mixture over the caramel in the cake pan.
Cover the cake pan tightly with aluminum foil.
Place the cake pan in the roasting pan in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the custard is set. To check, insert a toothpick into the center of the custard. If it comes out clean, it's done.
Remove the cake pan from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Once the flan is firm, run a knife around the edges of the cake pan to loosen the flan.
Place a serving platter over the cake pan and invert the flan onto the platter.
Serve and enjoy! Drizzle any remaining caramel sauce over the top of the flan. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Recipe#5 Coconut Macaroons:
Coconut Macaroons are a sweet and chewy cookie that's perfect for a quick and delicious dessert. These cookies are made with just a few ingredients, including shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. They're easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
5 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, shredded coconut, and salt. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.
Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of the coconut mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges of the macaroons are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
Transfer the macaroons to a wire rack and let cool completely.
Serve and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
In conclusion, condensed milk is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of desserts and baked goods. From Tres Leches Cake to Caramel Flan, these recipes showcase the delicious ways you can use condensed milk to add sweetness and creaminess to your favorite treats. Whether you're a fan of chocolate, lemon, coconut, or all of the above, these recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So next time you're looking for a new dessert to try, consider using condensed milk as an ingredient and see how it can elevate your baked goods to the next level!