Indulge in the rich flavors of Central America with our homemade Costa Rican Cajeta recipe. Originating from the verdant landscapes of Costa Rica, Cajeta is a delectable caramel-like confection that embodies the essence of the region's culinary tradition. Made with simple ingredients like fresh milk, sugar, and hints of vanilla, this velvety sweet treat offers a taste of tropical paradise in every spoonful.

In this recipe, we'll guide you through the art of crafting this ambrosial delight from scratch, allowing you to experience the authentic flavors of Costa Rica in your own kitchen. Whether you spread it on toast, drizzle it over ice cream, or simply savor it by the spoonful, our Costa Rican Cajeta will transport your taste buds to sun-kissed shores and lush rainforests. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey and delight your senses with this irresistible delicacy.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (14 ounces each) of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions:

1- Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan.

2- Add the granulated sugar to the saucepan with the condensed milk.

3- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the sugar has dissolved completely.

4- Once the sugar has dissolved, reduce the heat to low to medium-low to avoid burning, and continue to cook the mixture, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

5- Simmer the mixture gently for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it thickens and turns a rich caramel color. Be patient as this process requires slow cooking to achieve the desired consistency and flavor.

6- Stir in the vanilla extract and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

7- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the Cajeta cool slightly before transferring it to a clean, airtight container for storage.

8- Serve the Costa Rican Cajeta warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed drizzled over desserts such as ice cream, pancakes, or waffles, or used as a sweetener for coffee or cocktails.

9- Store any leftover Cajeta in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Simply reheat it gently before serving to restore its smooth consistency.

Enjoy the luscious sweetness of this homemade Costa Rican Cajeta, a delightful caramel-like syrup that captures the essence of tropical indulgence!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Costa Rican Cajeta recipe:

Sweetened Condensed Milk (per 14-ounce can):

• Calories: 1200
• Total Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Cholesterol: 100mg
• Sodium: 420mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 196g
• Sugars: 196g
• Protein: 28g

benefits:

• Rich source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
• Provides energy due to its high sugar content.
• Contains protein, which supports muscle growth and repair.
• Can contribute to the intake of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D and potassium.

Granulated Sugar (per cup):

• Calories: 774
• Total Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 1mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 200g
• Sugars: 200g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Provides quick energy due to its high carbohydrate content.
• Adds sweetness and flavor to foods and beverages.
• Used as a preservative in certain recipes.
• Enhances texture and browning in baked goods.

Vanilla Extract (per teaspoon):

• Calories: 12
• Total Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0.5g
• Sugars: 0.5g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Adds a pleasant aroma and flavor to dishes.
• Contains antioxidants that may have health benefits.
• Can have a calming effect on the mind and body.
• May help reduce inflammation and improve mental health.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and variations of the ingredients used. Additionally, the nutritional values for the final dish will depend on serving size and any additional ingredients or toppings used.