Arequipe (Dulce de Leche)

Ingredients

Sweetened condensed milk

1 (14-ounce) can

Water

enough to cover the can

Instructions

1. Remove the label from the can of sweetened condensed milk.
2. Place the can in a large pot. Fill the pot with water until the water level is at least 1 inch above the can.
3. Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Allow it to simmer for 2 hours, ensuring to add more water as necessary to keep the can submerged throughout the cooking process.
4. After 2 hours, carefully remove the can from the pot using tongs and let it cool completely before opening. This is crucial to avoid burns from hot caramel.
5. Once the can is fully cooled, open it to reveal the thick, caramel-colored Arequipe. If the consistency is too thick for your liking, stir in a little milk until you reach your desired texture.
6. Serve the Arequipe as a spread on fresh bread, as a topping for ice cream sundaes, or as a rich filling for cakes, pastries, and cookies.