DULCE DE LECHE CARAMELS AND A TRADITIONAL POLKI BANGLE GIVEAWAY (don't miss it)! Filed under ( Instant Dishes, Sweets and Desserts )

I first read about dulce de leche at David's blog several months ago and I must admit it has been on my mind ever since,... then why has it taken me so long to actually make it?, because I was scared!, scared of all those calories in the can of condensed milk and of the long cooking process, so I finally hit upon a really easy way- dulce de leche in 3 minutes flat!, what could be better??, I took these to work and believe me I have people asking me for more everyday, these caramels are beyond delicious, rich, silky, gooey,melt in the mouth...

My mom once made some kind of toffee from a can of condensed milk, it was cooked on the stove top is all I remember and I absolutely loved it, now I think it must be something like dulce de leche caramels, so I did get a taste of them as a child!

I made these in the microwave, and they came out perfect, no long hours of baking, no danger of explosions, this was like a walk in the park!, to make these I took one can of condensed milk and emptied the contents into a LARGE microwaveable bowl, large because the milk bubbles and rises to the top-

Place bowl in the micro and set on medium for 3 minutes, remember that you have to keep a CONSTANT EYE ON IT, do not leave unattended, pause and stir initially at 30 second intervals and then at 15 second intervals, after 3 minutes you will have something which resembles curdled milk, don't be scared just whisk well and it will form into a silky paste-

If you are looking for the runny dulce de leche, stop here but if you are planning to make caramels, cook for a further 30 seconds, as you can see in the picture below, the milk starts pulling away from the sides and forms a lump upon cooling.

Shape into small rounds when slightly warm and roll in clear sheets, like toffees, pop one in your mouth, enjoy! beware they are highly addictive!!!

This is my 100th post for this year and my second blog anniversary whizzed by recently, so to celebrate both I am giving away this beautiful traditional polki bangle, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post, I will ship this anywhere in the world so everyone can participate :)