For the first time since Winter has been here it is actually cold and the gloves and scarves have come out of hibernation. It has been such an oddly warm winter and now that the cold has finally come I’ve been enjoying hot tea or chocolate while binge watching Making a Murderer. Have you seen it yet? I have been staying up way past my bedtime saying to my husband “Okay, let’s just watch one more episode”.

As much as I love hot chocolate though a change of pace is sometimes nice. I love dulce de leche. It is basically the smooth, creamy version of caramel and it is amazing. You can typically find pre-made jars or cans of it in the Hispanic section of the grocery store. I prefer to make my own because it only requires a can of condensed milk, water and time.

Your slow cooker is your friend when making it. All you do is set the cans inside, cover them with water and set it to low for 8 hours. Allow them to cool on the counter and you have liquid gold.

You can drizzle a little dulce de leche in your coffee or hot cocoa, plop it on top of ice cream or you know, spoon it straight into your mouth. My new favorite way to enjoy it though is in a hot cup of spicy dulce de leche. With a bit of cayenne pepper, cinnamon and milk it is transformed into a creamy drink, perfect for sipping on cold nights while binge watching Netflix.

Spicy Dulce de Leche Drink
Serves 2

1/3 c dulce de leche (instructions follow)
2 c milk (I used 2% and it was super creamy)
¼ tsp. cinnamon
1 small pinch of cayenne pepper, to taste
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Whipped cream, optional

1. Over medium heat, warm dulce de leche, milk, cinnamon and cayenne pepper in a medium sized pot. Allow to simmer, whisking until dulce de leche dissolves.
2. Once drink is hot, stir in vanilla and serve immediately.
3. Top with whipped cream and/or cinnamon, if desired.

Dulce de Leche

2-6 cans sweetened condensed milk, labels removed

1. Remove labels from cans and place in a slow cooker.
2. Add water until there is at least one inch covering the cans.
3. Set on low for 8 hours. Once finished, carefully remove cans using tongs and place on a heat-proof surface to cool overnight.
4. Once opened, store in the fridge in a covered container.