Condensed milk

Condensed milk, specifically sweetened condensed milk, is a thick, sweet product made by removing most of the water from cow's milk and adding sugar. It's a staple in many dessert recipes around the world, valued for its rich texture and ability to add sweetness and creaminess. Here's how condensed milk is commonly used in cooking:

Desserts and Sweets: Condensed milk is a key ingredient in a wide array of desserts, including cakes, pies, and puddings. Its thick texture and sweetness enhance the flavor and create a creamy consistency.

Candy and Fudge: It's used to make various candies and fudges, where it provides a sweet, creamy base that requires less cooking time than from-scratch methods.

Ice Cream: Condensed milk can be used to make homemade ice cream, contributing to a creamy texture without the need for an ice cream maker.

Beverages: Condensed milk is often added to coffee and tea to create sweet, creamy drinks. It's a crucial ingredient in Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá) and Thai iced tea.

Bars and Slices: It's used in no-bake recipes for bars and slices, where it helps bind the ingredients together and adds sweetness.

Sauces and Toppings: Condensed milk is used to make sweet sauces and toppings for desserts, such as caramel sauce or dulce de leche, which is made by slowly heating condensed milk until it caramelizes.

Flans and Custards: In many custard-based desserts, condensed milk adds sweetness and a rich texture, making it a preferred ingredient in flans, crème caramels, and similar dishes.

Cheesecakes: Condensed milk can be used in cheesecake recipes to add sweetness and create a smooth, creamy filling.

Bread and Pastries: It's incorporated into doughs and fillings for sweet breads, rolls, and pastries, providing moisture and flavor.

Marinades and Dressings: Though less common, condensed milk can be used in some savory applications, such as marinades and dressings, to add a touch of sweetness and balance acidity.

When using sweetened condensed milk in recipes, it's important to consider its high sugar content and adjust other sweeteners accordingly. Its rich flavor and creamy texture can transform a simple recipe into something special, making it a beloved ingredient for both traditional and innovative dishes.