This was something that I discovered after Christmas this past year. I know this recipe/procedure is as old as the hills but it is pretty new to me. So here is my step by step on how I did it.
Start with Sweetened condensed milk. NOT evaporated milk. Be sure to use a coupon when you but it! 
Remove the label. I used an exact-o knife.
Put in a large pot. (really needed a picture for this one, right?)
Cover with water. Be sure to keep the cans submerged in water. Boil for 1 1/2 hours. (The water will not come to a rolling boil…just a rumbling simmer) Add more water if the water drops below the top of the cans. What is happening is the sugars and the milk are caramelizing in the can as the water boils. Remove from the water and cool completely. I have to rinse off the cans once cooled because my water is so hard it leaves mineral deposits on the cans. I think it looks bad so I wash it off. If you are lucky this won’t happen to you.
Print out a label and give as a gift. If you like this label download it HERE. This label is NOT for commercial use.
Give the can with a couple of apples and you have a great teacher gift or thank you gift.
One Response to “Homemade caramel in a CAN!”
May 21st, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Sarah,
I LOVE this recipe! My mom used to make this when I was little…nothing like homemade caramel to warm your heart.