Nestle La Lechera Caramel Food

DULCE DE LECHE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 inches square). Securely wrap foil around pan. In a large bowl, combine cookie crumbs, walnuts, sugar, cinnamon and butter. Press onto bottom and 2 inches up sides of prepared pan.
• In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in milk, flour and vanilla. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour into crust.
• Pour dulce de leche into a microwave-safe bowl; microwave at 50% power until softened. Drop dulce de leche by tablespoonfuls over batter; cut through batter with a knife to swirl.
• Place springform pan in a large baking pan; add 1 inches of hot water to larger pan. Bake 60-70 minutes or until center is just set and top appears dull.
• Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool on a wire rack 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chips; stir until smooth. Stir in chili powder. Spread over cheesecake. Refrigerate overnight. Remove sides of pan.
• In a small bowl, whisk dulce de leche and hot water until smooth; drizzle over cheesecake. Yield: 16 servings.
• Editor's Note: This recipe was tested with Nestle La Lechera dulce de leche; look for it in the international foods section. If using Eagle Brand dulce de leche (caramel flavored sauce), thicken according to package directions before using.

CARAMEL IN A CAN (DULCE DE LECHE)

Steps:

• Remove label from the can of condensed milk. Place unopened can in a 3 1/2- to 4 1/2-quart slow cooker. Pour water into the slow cooker until the can is completely covered with water. Put lid on the slow cooker.
• Cook on High for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours, making sure the can is always covered with water. Remove hot can with tongs; allow to cool until safe to handle, at least 25 minutes. Open can and pour contents into a lidded bowl. Stir in vanilla extract.

DULCE DE LECHE PECAN BARS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees F. In large bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar and salt. With pastry blender or fork, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Press 3/4 of mixture in 13X9 pan sprayed with cooking spray. Bake 10 minutes.
• In 1 quart saucepan, heat dulce de leche over low heat 2-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Spread dulce de leche over partially baked crust. Sprinkle evenly with toffee bits, pecans and remaining crumb mixture. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 15 minutes.
• Run knife around sides of pan to loosen bars. Cool completely, about 1 hour. For bars, cut into 8 rows by 4 rows.
• *Dulce de leche is caramelized sweetened condensed milk and can be found in the baking section next to the sweetened condensed milk. May also be found in the ethnic Mexican section. Brand name is Nestle La Lechera Dulce de Leche.