MMM Caramel

Written by on December 9, 2008 in Crafts, Digital Scrapbooking, Penny Pinching - 7 Comments

Yet another penny pinching idea for the holidays is to make caramel. I know what you are thinking. “Sarah. Come on now. You are crazy. Do you think I have time to sit, watch and stir a pot just to make caramel?” I am telling you this is easy peasy.

Get a can of sweetened condensed milk. Take the label off. Put it in a pot of water. Make sure the entire can is submerged. Boil for 3 hours. Whala! Caramel. Did you catch that? Just boil the can in water. The sugars in the milk and sugar IN THE CAN caramelize making a wonderful caramel. The fabulous thing is you can boil as many cans as you can fit into your largest pot. As long as they are able to be covered in water you are good to go!

Now for some safety:
Do not let the water run out in your pot. The can will explode.
Do not put a dented can in your pot. It will explode.
Let the cans cool completely (over night) before handling them.

Once you have your cans cooled put on the label I have provided for you and present with a couple of apples. In case you don’t like my label or want to customize your own this label is 3 inches high and 9 1/2 inches long.
My label for you

Don’t forget to make a few extra to have on hand for an impromptu hostess gift.

  • Phyldar

    This is such a marvelous idea! Thanks so much for sharing the how-to and the label *Ü*

  • Anonymous

    Great idea, thanks so much

  • Brown Family

    It is so yummy, isn’t it? I love your label, too! Very cute!

  • Katherine

    If you want to make sure the can doesn’t explode for sure, put two small holes in the top using one of those spike-style can openers. Keep the water bath topped up so it doesn’t quite submerge the can.

  • Teri

    Thank you for all your neat penny pinching ideas! I am boiling my carmel sauce as we speak! I had to laugh when I read your post on the plastic wrap from Sam’s. I too, have had mine for more years than I can remember…Blessings and Grace, His, Teri Mayo http://www.teristhingomyjigs.blogspot.com

  • Casey

    I just posted a link here on my blog. I am so excited about boiling up a dozen or so cans tonight :) Times are hard as we are continuing to recover financially from Hurricane Ike and this is a super idea for an awesome, inexpensive gift idea!

  • rebecca

    thank you and happy holidays!