Homemade Dulce de leche

Serve with Dulce de Leche Cheesecake

Ingredients:
4 cups whole milk
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 tbsp. butter (optional)

Instructions:
In a heavy bottomed 5 to 6-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, stir the whole milk, the sugar and the butter (if using) until sugar is dissolved and mixture is boiling. Stir in the baking soda. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally with a flexible spatula, until mixture is golden brown and reduced to about 2 cups, about 1 1/2 hours. Pour through a fine strainer into a bowl; discard residue. Let cool. Use immediately or refrigerate for later. Before serving, reheat in a saucepan on medium-low heat, or heat slightly in the microwave to make it pourable.

Makes about 2 cups.