Easier Dulce de Leche

I once came across a recipe for dulce de leche (caramelized milk candy) that described how to make it in a double boiler. The idea is that it will not burn as it condenses and caramelizes, so you don't have stir it constantly. I love homemade dulce de leche, but the thought of standing and stirring for an hour is always a little daunting. And inevitably I get a phone call or something else calls me away from the stove and I burn it anyway. The double boiler method sounded less stressful, so I tried it.

It worked beautifully, but slowly. It takes one to three hours longer in a double boiler, depending on how much you make. But you only have to stir with with a whisk once in a while, and (very important) make sure that the water in the bottom of the double boiler doesn't boil away. Leave it uncovered so that the water can evaporate away, and make sure the boiling water is not touching the bottom of the bowl or pot holding the dulce de leche. Otherwise the recipe (see below) is the same - just use a double boiler (or a bowl set over boiling water) instead of cooking it directly on the stove. It's ready when it's very thick and golden caramel brown.

Recipe for Dulce de Leche
Recipe for Alfajores (Dulce de Leche Cookies)
Almond Shortbread Alfajores
Chocolate Alfajores