Homemade Dulce de Leche - Rich Caramel Sauce

Place the evaporated milk, the corn syrup, and the condensed milk in a heavy-bottomed pot. Add the cinnamon sticks, baking soda, and pinch of salt if desired. (Salt is not exactly traditional but helps intensify the flavor).

Cook and stir over medium low heat. The water will begin to evaporate as steam. Stir steadily so that the mixture does not stick to the bottom of the pan and burn. Adjust the temperature so that the mixture stays just barely at a simmer.

The mixture will slowly begin to thicken and darken slightly in color. Keep stirring - this takes patience!

Cook and stir until the mixture is making big slow bubbles and is very thick. Lift the spoon out of the pot and drizzle some of the caramel over the surface. If it forms a ribbon that does not disappear after 10 seconds or so, it is ready. Also check by dragging the spoon along the bottom of the pot. You should be able to see the bottom of the pot for a few seconds before the thickened mixture closes in on itself and covers the bottom. The mixture will have been simmering for 30-45 minutes.

Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Remove cinnamon sticks, and stir in the vanilla.

Let cool completely and serve.

Tip: If the mixture starts to stick to the bottom of the pan and burn, you can quickly change to a fresh pan. If there are burnt pieces already mixed in, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into the clean pot, and continue cooking and stirring.

Makes 1 1/2 cups.