Caramel In A Can

I am having some girlfriends over next week for a little Christmas party and gift crafting.  One idea I'll be sharing is the Caramel In A Can.  I am sure alot of you have seen this idea before but if not, it is such a fun gift to make.

You'll start with a can or cans of sweetened condensed milk, like Eagle brand, though the store brands are great too.  Just be sure it's NOT plain evaporated milk! 

Remove label from can. Place UNOPENED can in the bottom of a VERY DEEP pot, like a stock pot. Add enough water to cover can or cans by at least 3 to 4 inches. Bring the water to a boil and boil gently for four (4) hours.

BE SURE THAT THE CANS ARE ALWAYS UNDER AT LEAST 3-4 INCHES OF WATER THE ENTIRE TIME.  IF THE CANS ARE NOT COMPLETELY IMMERSED THEY CAN EXPLODE.   Add very hot tap water as needed to keep them under under 3-4 inches of water at all times.   I set my oven timer to go off every 30 minutes to remind me to check water level.

You can boil several cans at one time.   When 4 hours are up, carefully remove pot from heat and allow to cool several hours.  Remove cans to a rack and allow to further cool til room temp.  DO NOT OPEN while hot unless you want to be sprayed in caramel!

The sweetened, condensed milk will have turned into the most delicious caramel inside the can.  It is great for apple dipping, ice cream topping, any dessert or treat you can dream up! 

Now, I know you'll be skeptical, I was too!  So make a can, and after it cools open it up and place in a dish.  Stir in 1 tsp vanilla and nuke it for a few seconds.  Now dip some apples, or cookies and you'll be a believer!   After you have inhaled it, go buy some to make for gifts!

To give as a gift, dry cans well and glue on a label you've made.   Here are my creations from last Christmas.  You can make a fun gift basket by adding an apple cutter and some apples.  Makes a great hostess or teacher gift!

Here is the label page.  If you'd like a copy, I can send as a png file so you can make it your own.

Thanks for dropping by!  Your comments are treasured. See you at the parties below!