Homemade Essentials: Sweetened Condensed Milk, Mayonnaise, and Heavy Cream

Introduction

Making your own kitchen staples at home is easier than you might think. From sweetened condensed milk to mayonnaise and heavy cream, preparing these at home lets you control ingredients, avoid preservatives, and create fresher, tastier results. Here’s how to make each one from scratch.

1. Sweetened Condensed Milk
Ingredients

2 cups (500 ml) full-fat or 2% milk

3/4 cup (150 g) sugar

Pinch of baking soda (optional)

Instructions

In a medium pan, heat the milk and sugar over medium-high heat until it starts to reduce.

Bring to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Once boiling, reduce to medium heat and continue stirring until thickened, about 20–25 minutes.

Turn off the heat and add a pinch of baking soda.

Stir occasionally while the milk cools to prevent a skin from forming.

Once cooled, store in an airtight jar in the fridge.

2. Mayonnaise