Dulce de Leche: (Caramel Sauce)

4 cups milk - 1 & 1/4 cups sugar - 1/4 Tsp baking soda - 1 Tsp vanilla

Stir together 4 cups milk, 1 & 1/4 cups sugar, and 1/4 Tsp baking soda in a 3- to 4-quart heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and thickened, about 1 & 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours. (After about an hour, stir more often as milk caramelizes, to avoid burning.) Stir in 1 Tsp vanilla. Transfer to a bowl to cool. Makes about 1 & ½ cups.