millionaire's short bread: Where did I go wrong?

[bonzo77]

Have attempted this, well the first 2 stages today. The base is fine. the caramel bit is not. It has split and is greasy and too dark. I think the errors are.....

1. using "light" condensed milk.
2. possibly heated it too long.
3. the recipe said to pour the caramel on top of the base then cook for 20 minutes. I have just read another recipe that said just to let it cool and not cook at all.

What do you think?

You can buy Nestle condensed milk that has already been 'caramelised'. Much easier and only a teeny cheat.

How did you make the caramel? To make perfect caramel, boil the tin of full fat condensed milk in a pan of water for 2/3 hours. Make sure the tin has an inch of water above it at all times. Should come out perfect, just pour onthe base (no more cooking required).

Use the full fat condensed milk - no point in going for the "light" version - it would spoil the guilty pleasure!

Also agree, just pour it over the base and allow it to set.

I make it at work and boil ordinary condensed milk in the tin for 2 hrs longer if possible best results 4 hrs and stick it in the freezer if not using straight away to stop myself eating it the tinned ready made caramel is a bit soft if using it for caramel slice it tends to squish out when cut

I stick the tin in a casserole and bring to the boil then stick in the oven for 3 hours so you don't need to worry about it boiling dry.

Open the tin the next day though, yeah??

Then smear over cooled base and fridge for a few hours before chocolating.

Thanks. I thought the recipe wasn't white right. That's the second one from that book that's not quite worked. Gah!