Ingredient of the week: Condensed milk

Condensed milk is canned milk that has been thickened by evaporation and sweetened. Evaporation of milk is the process of removing water from cow’s milk, leaving a sweet, dense liquid. 

Despite it being a milk product, it looks and tastes nothing like regular milk. It is sticky, thick and sweet with a long shelf life, making it a great ingredient for desserts, sweets, candy, cakes, ice cream and confectioneries. It can also be used in smoothies or as a topping in fruits and cakes. 

If you're trying to gain weight, add condensed milk to your diet. It has a high calorie content and protein. Fortify your morning cereal or oatmeal with a spoon or two of condensed milk. 

Simple make at home recipe: Heat milk and sugar in a heavy base cooking pot over low heat until sugar dissolves, then bring mix to a simmer over medium low heat for about 35 to 40 minutes or until it darkens to a thick creamy look. Do not stir when it starts to simmer otherwise it will crack and crystalize. Skim off any foam that forms at the top. Remove from heat, pour into a jar to cool thereafter, close the jar tight and store in the fridge. This can keep for up to six months. 

It is available in major supermarkets for Sh280 and above, depending on brand and size.