Homemade Dulce de Leche

Directions

• Remove the label from the condensed milk can.
• Place the can in a large pot and cover with water. 
  Make sure the can is completely submerged.
• If using an unopened can: Place the pan over medium-high heat and cook for 2 to 3 hours. 
  Make sure the can is always covered with water to prevent it from exploding. 
  Add more water as needed.
• If using homemade condensed milk: Put the condensed milk in a pan and add a dash of baking soda. 
  This helps speed up the cooking process. 
  Place the pan over medium-high heat and stir constantly to prevent the candy from burning to the bottom of the pan.
• Continue cooking and stirring until the condensed milk takes on the color and consistency of dulce de leche. 
  This can take about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the amount and power of the fire.
• After reaching the desired consistency, remove the pan from the heat and allow the dulce de leche to cool slightly before transferring it to a sterilized glass container.
• Once the dulce de leche is completely cooled, cover the container and store in the refrigerator.