Real California Milk Jam

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 2 to 2 1/2 hours

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine milk, sugar, baking soda and vanilla bean (seeds and pod) and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring and scraping bottom and sides of the saucepan occasionally, until mixture has a dark caramel color and a jam-like texture, 2 to 2 1/2 hours (watch carefully to keep from boiling over, especially during first 30 minutes). (To test texture, spread thin layer on a plate and place plate in freezer to cool.)

Strain jam through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on solids; set aside to cool thoroughly before using.

Recipe courtesy of Essie Bootsma, California Dairy Farmer