When I was a kid, a visitor taught us how to boil a can of sweetened condensed milk for three hours submerged in water. When you open the can it has magically turned into dark, thick caramel. To this day, when my brother Jim comes to visit me I boil up some milk and we sit there with spoons licking our ritual treat.
It turns out O'Charley's makes a pie that tastes exactly like that caramel! They even make a tiny caramel tart for one. My office mate Dianna picked up FIVE caramel pies for my birthday and one of my volunteers made a homemade carrot cake. When I stopped by Roper Hospital there were two more pies waiting for me. I may have finally had enough sugar.
There are hundreds of web links discussing different ways to make Dulce de leche but I stick to the tried and true method. I did test the microwave and had a sticky mess all over the kitchen.
Thanks folks! I was completely spoiled for my birthday.
I cannot think of a more deserving person, or is that desserting?
ReplyDeleteHey Rick - I was just thinking of you. I finally found your name on the sidewalk.
DeleteWhere did you find that? My children have their bricks in King Street but I don't remember ever putting my name in the sidewalk. You'll have to send me a picture.
DeleteHappy Birthday, Joan! Had we known earlier we could have arranged celebrations and fireworks in each time zone as "your" day began, just like on New Year's Eve. Maybe next year, OK? :)
ReplyDeleteS
Hahah! That is funny! Trust me, there was enough pie for everyone.
DeleteWhat a wonderful group of friends! They made your birthday memorable. Happy Returns!!
ReplyDeleteThey did indeed. Takes the sting out of growing older.
DeleteHappy, Happy Birthday, Blog Girlfriend! I hope you have an awesome weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks Suzie! Just back from the symphony now. A nice evening.
DeleteHappy birthday to you Joan. If I was in Charleston I would have insinuated myself into your office party as I like carmel so very much.
ReplyDeleteLes, you have to try the boiled condensed milk trick then!
DeleteHappy, happier, happiest birthday, Joan!
ReplyDeleteThanks Marcheline!
DeleteHappy birthday! And luckily, any kind of birthday treat, be it carrot cake or caramel pie, has no calories.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I do hope that is true!
DeleteHappy belated birthday...I hope it was wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sarah! I was very well taken care of.
Delete