When I learn of good recipe, I have to share it with everyone.  My daughter, Cassidy, brought over one day, a sample of some caramel she had learned how to make on Pinterest.  It was for dipping apples in.  It was the most fantastic caramel dip I have ever had.  I asked her the recipe and she said it just was a can of sweetened-condensed milk that had been cooked.  I have heard of this before, but had never tried making it.  After trying the caramel, I was sold on it.  I immediately had to have more and so the next day I made a can.  Well, when I find something good, I have got to tell everyone I come in contact with about it.  I figured if I was going to take the time to make one, I might as well fill the pan.  I wanted all my friends and family to try it, so I got a bigger pan.  I'm a little fanatic about things I like.  My husband says I don't do anything half way, I've got to beat the H--- out of it.  Oh well, I've got lots of apples on my trees and it makes a great gift.

This is so easy to make and once it is done you can store it on your shelf and have a great gift to give any time.

Instructions:  Remove labels from cans of Sweetened Condensed Milk.  You can use any brand.  I liked the Eagle Brand because it had a pull top and is so convenient if you don't have a can opener handy.

  Put unopened cans in a pan large enough to cover the can with water.  You can notice that I have a large pan so that I can do several at a time, or as Val says, beat the H--- out of it.  You may put a small towel, lids, or rack on the bottom of the pan.  This will prevent any scorching on the bottom of the bottom cans.

Put enough water in the pan to cover cans completely.  Turn stove burner on to high and bring to boil.  Continue boiling 2-4 hours ( when you are cooking several cans you need to cook for 4 hrs.).  The longer it is cooked, the thicker and more caramelized.   DO NOT LET IT BOIL DRY.  You must keep the cans covered with water.  As it boils, the water will evaporate.  Add water as needed, checking every 15 minutes.  If you have a lid on the pan, you won't have this problem as much but I would still keep checking it every 15 minutes.

Notice the big pan I have.  It's so I can do a whole case.  Yep, I'm a fanatic.  I also found that even with the the labels peeled off, there is still some glue residue that gets on the inside of your pan and it doesn't wash out.  You might want to use an old pan that you don't cook with.

After boiling for 2-4 hours, remove heat and let cool.  I don't know how long it will store on the shelf.  It doesn't stay there very long.  This makes a great quick treat.  You can put some decorative wrap around the can and give it as a gift with a bag of apples.  It has really been a hit with everyone that I have shared it with.

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