Want a frugal substitute for a can of sweetened, condensed milk. This home made version will save you some pennies and prevent you from having to run to the store to stock up. As an added bonus, you can make only the amount that you need so that there is no waste. This is another savings right there.
I have fallen out of using sweetened condensed milk, mostly because of the expense and the waste. I used to use it all of the time to make yummy graham cracker crumb cookies. With this frugal substitute, I may just have to make that recipe once again.
Most recipes that call for sweetened condensed milk usually refer to a standard 14-ounce can. Some do ask for other measurements, but lets start with the can size. Then you can halve or quarter the recipe (or double it!) if necessary. This version will store covered in the refrigerator, if need be, but just like the canned store-bought version, you should use it within three or four days to ensure its freshness.
To make your sweetened condensed milk, you’ll need boiling water, non-fat dry (powdered) milk, sugar, butter and vanilla. You’ll also need a blender to mix it all up.
In the blender, place 1/2 of boiling water. To the water, add 1 cup of nonfat dry (powdered) milk, 2/3 cup of granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons of melted butter and a couple of drops of vanilla.
Put the top on the blender and blend the mixture on high speed for about 30 seconds or until everything is smooth. There you go. The homemade sweetened condensed milk is also good in coffee.
To see lots of yummy recipes, including some that use sweetened condensed milk, head over to the Food Blog. Tell them Mary Ann sent you.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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