Homemade Dulce de Leche Recipe - Tips & Tricks | Club Foody

 

One of the most beloved items in baking, besides chocolate 🍫, is probably caramel! Its rich, buttery, and sweet profile elevates any sweet treat. It can be used as a condiment, filling, topping, or an ingredient to enhance flavor.
 
Although they sound the same, caramel, butterscotch, and dulce de leche are slightly different. It all comes down to the base ingredients and the cooking methods, resulting in each of them having its own distinct flavor profile. Let’s have a look 👀…
 
– Caramel is basically heating sugar until it melts and turns brown. Often, water 💦 is added at the beginning of cooking, while heavy cream or butter is incorporated after the sugar is caramelized to stop the cooking. The result gives a sharp, toasty flavor with a syrupy consistency.
– Dulce de Leche is created by slowly simmering milk 🥛 and sugar together for 2 to 3 hours, with a touch of baking soda. The other method is by boiling a can of sweetened condensed milk. In the end, both methods yield a thick, creamy, and spreadable texture with a gorgeous, rich, and nutty flavor.
– Butterscotch uses butter 🧈 and dark brown sugar at the beginning of cooking and finishes with heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a tiny amount of salt. The final product results in a sweet and rich flavor.
 
My grandmother 👵 was making her “thick” caramel, as she liked to describe it, not knowing she was making dulce de leche. My mother called it the same, and I ended up making the same mistake until one of my South American friends finally corrected me and explained the differences.
 
Valeria was telling me that when her mother was making it “literally” from scratch, using milk, sugar, baking soda, and a little vanilla extract. It takes a while, and there’s a lot of stirring 🥄 involved. As much of a foody as I am, I never tried it or intend to do so – yes, I can be lazy once in a while!
 
The only way I’ve made my Homemade Dulce de Leche is by using a can of sweetened condensed milk and letting it simmer on medium heat for a few hours ⏰. This is certainly the easiest method unless you can find it pre-made in the Latin section of your supermarket.
 
When using the boiling method, make sure there are no dents on the can and also use a fully sealable one. The can with the pull-top might pop-op open under the pressure from the heat 🔥. I used it in the past and nothing bad happened, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
 
Making Homemade Dulce de Leche is pretty easy as long as the can is completely submerged. Bring a large pot of water 💧 to a boil, place the can sideways so it rolls during the process, cooking the mixture evenly. Then, reduce to medium heat, and cook for 2 to 3 hours.
 
What makes the difference between 2 and 3 hours (and more) of cooking 🤔? The color, thickness, and flavor complexity.
– Close to 2 hours, the dulce will be lightly caramelized and more pourable, similar to a thick syrup.
– At the 3-hour mark, the caramel will be much darker, almost like mahogany, thicker, and have a more complex and caramelized flavor.
 
There’s no right or wrong, as it all depends on its application. If you’re looking to drizzle the caramel over ice cream 🍨 or use it as a dip for fruits, a 2-hour cook time is plenty. However, the 3-hour+ time is often used for fillings like Dulce de Leche Cupcakes, Alfajores (sandwich cookies), Skor Banoffee Pie, or Tres Leches Cake.
 
As I mentioned earlier, to achieve perfect caramelization, it is essential to ensure the can is submerged at all times. What I like to do is to boil water in my tea kettle and pour some into the pot as needed. That way, the water stays constantly hot.
 
When time is up, simply (and carefully) remove the can from the simmering water and allow it to cool completely before handling it. If you’ll be using the whole can for a dessert, let me tell you that it will be the most challenging time by resisting the temptation of getting a spoonful of that deliciousness!
 
Making Homemade Dulce de Leche is superior to store-bought. It offers a richer, creamier texture with a more intense caramel flavor. Another reason for making it at home is that it costs less 🏧 than the pre-made ones, plus you can decide which level of thickness you want your caramel…
Bon Appétit! 🍽
 
Check out these other great kitchen tips and tricks… 😀
– Cake Flour Substitute
– Lining a Square Pan with Parchment Paper
– Perfect Meringue
– How to Soften Cream Cheese Quickly
– Vanilla Sugar – How to Make It
– German Gingerbread Spice • Lebkuchengewürz
– Cranberry Simple Syrup
– Leftover Evaporated Milk Ideas
– Berries • How to Keep Them Longer
and for more handy kitchen tips and tricks 💡, click on this link… Recipe Category • Tips & Tricks
 
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Greek Baked Beans • Gigantes Plaki | Club Foody

Throughout my life, my circle of friends has always been diverse. As you know, Canada’s 🍁 ethnic diversity has a high percentage of immigrants. By being curious about other cultures, I surrounded myself with many amazing people from great backgrounds!
 
One of our friends’ heritage is Greek. She’s 👩‍🦱 a great cook and she sure loves to enjoy her roots by serving many dishes from the old country. One that I had the pleasure to taste from her kitchen was this one… Greek Baked Beans also knows as Gigantes Plaki!
 
This classic Greek vegetarian dish is incredibly delicious. With lovely ingredients, this meatless recipe can be enjoyed as mezze (appetizer), a vegetarian dish, or as a side alongside meats like chicken 🐓 or meatballs. It’s traditionally served warm or at room temperature.
 
As much as I enjoyed hers, I thought it was slightly lacking in flavor. Typical me, I rolled up my sleeves 👩‍🍳 and enhanced the dish by adding just a few seasonings, such as red pepper flakes – just a little – and my homemade Greek seasoning.
 
When I make these Greek Baked Beans • Gigantes Plaki, I use canned lima beans (also known as butter beans), which are fully cooked and ready to go. It accelerates the process. It takes 40 minutes ⏰, from start to finish, not including the mise en place.
 
If using dry lima beans, you’re opening up another can of… beans 🥫!
First, the lima beans have to soak for 12 to 24 hours 🕞. Then, when it comes to baking time, it can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours depending on whether the beans were pre-boiled and if the dish is covered or uncovered.
 
Either way, the results are simply fantastic! When the dish is done, you’ll end up with creamy and tender beans… not mushy! This is one of those recipes that is not only easy to make but also incredibly healthy 💚!
 
This Greek Baked Beans • Gigantes Plaki can be served as an appetizer. However, it’s often enjoyed as a satisfying vegetarian main course along with crusty bread, pita, or salad 🥗, as well as a side dish with meat. Topped with fresh chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese, this is certainly a must try…
Bon Appétit! 🍽
 
Here are more incredible meatless recipes for you to try… 😀
– Saag Aloo
– Pasta alla Caponata
– Spinach Apple Salad
– Best Eggplant & Mushroom Veggie Burgers
– Georgian Cheese Bread • Khachapuri
– Samosas
– Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
– Avocado Sweet Pea Toast
– Easy Falafel
and for even more meatless recipes 🥗, click on this link… Recipe Category • Meatless

For ingredient amounts, directions, and much more, visit ➡ https://clubfoody.com/cf-recipes/greek-baked-beans-gigantes-plaki/ 😉

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Creamy Chicken Alfredo Recipe • Classic Dish | Club Foody

 

Isn’t it amazing to enjoy a delicious meal? It’s even better when it takes less than 30 minutes ⏳ to make. We’re all in the same boat with our busy schedules, and I can safely say that a quick, tasty meal is always sought after.
 
On the website 💻, there’s a section just for that called Quick & Easy. There are so many recipes to choose from. Among them, there are pasta dishes. They can be Easy Beef Egg Noodles, Moroccan Green Spaghetti, Shrimp Fra Diavolo, Creamy Mushroom Chicken, Carne alla Pizzaiola, and more.
 
When it comes to the “classico” recipes, you can find Spaghetti alla Puttanesca, Cacio e Pepe, Pasta al Tonno, Penne alla Vodka, Spaghetti Amatriciana, Fettuccine alle Vongole, Pasta al Limone, Penne all’ Arrabbiata, Pasta Pomodoro 🍅, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio or alla Carbonara, etc.
 
Another popular pasta dish in my kitchen is this one… Creamy Chicken Alfredo! Rich and unctuous, this comforting recipe 🥰 is just irresistible! It’s simple and yet so delicious! Although I use chicken in this recipe, it can be enjoyed with shrimp or by itself.
 
This authentic Roman dish is made with only three ingredients: high-quality butter 🧈, freshly grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese, and fresh pasta, along with starchy pasta water. We Americanized it by adding garlic, heavy cream, and seasonings. With all due respect to the Italian cuisine, I had the authentic version, and didn’t like it – it was bland and uninspiring!
 
The preferred noodles used for this classic are fettuccine. They’re cooked according to the package directions unless you want to make the noodles from scratch, and here’s the link… Homemade Pasta. In that case, cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Whether store- bought 🛒 or fresh, reserve about ½ cup of pasta cooking water.
 
As the title implies, I use chicken breasts 🐓. I prefer pounding them to an even thickness prior to cooking instead of slicing. Pounding them breaks down the fibers, resulting in a more tender and juicier meat, cooking faster and consistently.
 
After the breasts are nicely browned, they’re covered with foil and rested on a cutting board for 10 minutes before being sliced 🔪 against the grain. While they’re sitting there, we start the sauce. If everything is timed properly, this Creamy Chicken Alfredo shouldn’t take more than 25 minutes to make.
 
One of my girlfriends 👩‍🦱 told me that she wipes her skillet after cooking the meat. Why? – I asked. She told me that the sauce looks whiter, while I told her that the extra flavors were gone! It’s your call whether you wipe it or not, but keep in mind that it’s a delicious way to build up flavor.
 
To achieve the perfect sauce, it’s crucial to not let the heavy cream boil otherwise, it will separate. Let it simmer gently on medium-low heat. When the sauce starts to thicken, I like adding seasonings 🧂, one of which is Italian, and here’s the link to make my blend… Italian Seasoning • Homemade Blend.
 
Another important step is to take the skillet off the heat before gradually adding the cheese while whisking 👩‍🍳👨‍🍳 constantly. I know you see my pan sitting on the same burner, but in the background, I turned off the heat a good 5 minutes before incorporating the cheese.
 
As I mentioned earlier, freshly grated Parmesan Reggiano is the chosen cheese for this dish. Normally, I use Grana Padano 🧀 because that’s the kind we have in our fridge all the time. When I have some, I like mixing it with a little Pecorino Romano for extra sharpness and a saltier flavor.
 
The pasta goes in and is tossed until well-coated. Then we’ll add the parsley and the sliced meat. These ingredients are gently mixed until well incorporated. More than likely, the sauce will start getting too thick, and to thin it out, a little reserved pasta water 💦 is added until it reaches the desired consistency.
 
This Creamy Chicken Alfredo is the best Americanized version you’ll ever make! Its flavor is incredibly mouthwatering! This dish can be served with chicken, shrimp 🍤, or just as is without meat. It’s a delightful 30-minute recipe you can enjoy anytime…
Bon Appétit! 🍽
 
Check out these other delicious pasta recipes… 😀
– Meat Lasagna
– Duck Ragù with Pappardelle
– Baked Ziti
– Creamy Tortellini Boscaiola
– Creamy Shrimp Linguine
– Pasta alla Caponata
– Italian Sausage, Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni
– Pastitsio
– Zucchini Pork Penne
– Italian Stuffed Pasta Shells
and for even more pasta and pizza recipes 🍝🍕, click on this link… Recipe Category • Pasta & Pizza

For ingredient amounts, directions, and much more, visit ➡ https://clubfoody.com/cf-recipes/creamy-chicken-alfredo/ 😉

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Roasted Carrot Hummus Recipe • Tasty & Healthy! | Club Foody

 

Cooking is fun, especially if someone has a creative side 🎨. It allows you to express your inner self through a combination of ingredients and flavors. It provides an opportunity to take a classic and transform it into a new, elevated dish.
 
Besides its religious significance, what comes to mind when Easter is mentioned? It’s an event for families to gather. There are Easter eggs, bunnies, carrots, chocolate, and baby chicks 🐣 along with roasted lamb or glazed ham. Oh, and let’s not forget the hot cross buns!
 
When having guests over, hors d’oeuvres, mezze, and/or bouchées 🍣 are a must-have. These shareable dishes are perfect to serve prior to dinner. On the website, there’s a wide selection of them, like Russian Deviled Eggs, Brie en Croûte, Shrimp Bruschetta, some tea sandwiches, Croquetas de Jamón, and so on.
 
Dips are also another tasty option. I think of Jalapeño Bacon Cheese Dip, Middle East Labneh, Six Layer Chip Dip, Olive Tapenade, Crab Artichoke Pepper Dip 🦀, Middle East Muhammara, Baba Ghanoush, Pumpernickel Spinach Dip, etc.
 
One that fits perfectly for Easter 🐰 is my Roasted Carrot Hummus! With a smooth, creamy texture, this recipe is a delicious twist on a classic! It has a gorgeous combination of smokiness, sweetness as well as earthiness. It’s elegant, colorful, and sets the tone for the event…
 
I have always enjoyed hummus since the first bite I had back in the early ‘80s. From the traditional recipe, I turned this popular Middle Eastern into Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Pesto Hummus 🍃, Beet Hummus, and also Sweet Potato Hummus.
 
Like any of them, this Roasted Carrot Hummus is super easy to make. What takes a little more time is the carrots. After slicing them as evenly as possible, they’re roasted in the oven until tender. The best way to test their doneness is by using a pointy knife 🔪. If there’s no resistance, they’re ready.
 
After adding all the ingredients to the bowl of a food processor and blending them, the texture will probably be smooth but dry. To remedy this, I l pour in some vegetable broth to moisten the mixture. I normally go for a couple tablespoons. It’s not an exact science 🧪, but I’m sure you’ll figure out how much you need.
 
This Roasted Carrot Hummus is a great dish to serve for this upcoming event. Easy to prepare, it’s a healthy way 💚 to satisfy hunger without ruining the appetite for dinner. Drizzle on some olive oil and sprinkle chopped pistachios on top, serve this elegant dip with crackers, naan, crostini, and crudités…
Bon Appétit! 🍽
 
Check out these other amazing hors d’oeuvre, canapés and bouchées recipes… 😀
– Korean Meatballs
– Clams Casino
– Stuffed Dates with Gorgonzola
– Cognac Chicken Liver Pâté
– Oven Baked Jalapeño Poppers
– Asian Cucumber Salmon Rolls
– Baked Goat Cheese with Almonds
– Sardine Cups
– Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
and for even more dip recipes, click on this link… Recipe Category • Hors d’Oeuvres/Antipasto, Canapés/Dips

For ingredient amounts, directions, and much more, visit ➡ https://clubfoody.com/cf-recipes/roasted-carrot-hummus/ 😉

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Sweet Chili Ginger Pork Loin Chops Recipe | Club Foody

 

This year, Easter will be quiet. David and I will make a nice dinner, open up a bottle (or two) of wine 🍷, and enjoy each other’s company. Normally, I like serving a big ham or rack of lamb. There are also other traditional recipes I enjoy making for this event such as Torta Pasqualina, Tsoureki, Hot Cross Buns, etc.
 
If yours will be as relaxed 🥰 as ours, here’s a recipe that is elegant for the occasion and also extremely delicious… my Sweet Chili Ginger Pork Loin Chops! Loaded with flavors, it takes 30 minutes to make. It’s another delightful way to enjoy this cut of meat !
 
It’s a pretty straightforward recipe. We begin by making 👩‍🍳👨‍🍳 the sauce, which is what gives this recipe its unique taste profile. Among the ingredients, there’s sweet chili sauce. I prefer using my homemade version, and here’s the link to get it… Sweet Chili Sauce
 
After the sauce is done, we move on to the meat. I season the chops with only freshly ground mixed peppercorns… no salt! Why? Because there’s a fair amount 🧂 in the soy sauce, even if it’s low-sodium, and quite a bit in the ponzu sauce. If you want to add some, go ahead.
 
The chops are seared in canola oil. I use this type of oil because it’s flavorless and odorless, plus it has a high smoke point 🔥 (around 400ºF/200ºC). It makes it ideal for searing, pan-frying, and deep-frying. If you want more info about different types of oils and their smoke points, here’s a great link… Know Your Oils and Their Smoke Points
 
Searing goes pretty fast – maybe 3 minutes ⏳ per side. They won’t be fully cooked, and it’s fine as they will cook more later. Just as the late chef Anne Burrell often mentioned, “brown food tastes good”, so the sides of the loin chops have to be seared too, which takes maybe 1 to 1:30 minutes.
 
What makes these Sweet Chili Ginger Pork Loin Chops is the sauce!
While the meat is resting on a plate, the sauce is cooked for just a couple of minutes at the most or until it thickens. The chops are returned to the skillet, basted 🥄 with the sauce, flipped and basted a few times, and cooked until they reach between 140º to 145ºF… maybe 2 to 3 minutes.
 
Quick and easy to make, this Sweet Chili Ginger Pork Loin Chops recipe is simply fabulous! Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and green onions, these are served with white rice 🍚 and some steamed vegetables such as broccolini or bok choy. This is a lovely recipe to make often…
Bon Appétit! 🍽
 
Here are more delicious pork recipes for you to try… 😀
– French Onion Dijon Pork Chops
– Italian Sausage, Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni
– El Diablo Pork Tenderloin
– Sweet & Sour Pineapple Pork
– Asian Sesame Pork Chops
– Easy Egg Rolls in a Bowl
– Mushroom Quiche
– Italian Poutine
– Pork Chops with Pineapple BBQ Sauce
and for even more pork recipes 🐷, click on this link… Recipe Category • Pork

For ingredient amounts, directions, and much more, visit ➡ https://clubfoody.com/sweet-chili-ginger-pork-loin-chops/ 😉

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel 📽 by clicking on this link… Club Foody YouTube