{"id":"cajeta_2326b56a64","slug":"cajeta-mexican-goat-milk-caramel","title":"Cajeta (Mexican Goat Milk Caramel)","description":"A luxurious Mexican confection made from slow-cooked goat's milk and sugar, resulting in a deep, caramel-like sauce with a unique tang and velvety texture.","serves":16,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":90,"totalMinutes":95,"activeMinutes":45},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"1 liter goat milk","name":"Goat Milk","quantity":1,"unit":"l","usQuantity":4,"usUnit":"cup","form":"whole","notes":"fresh or store-bought","group":"Ingredients","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"200g granulated sugar","name":"Granulated Sugar","quantity":200,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"cup","form":"granulated","notes":"","group":"Ingredients","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"1 cinnamon stick","name":"Cinnamon Stick","quantity":1,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"piece","form":"stick","notes":"preferably Ceylon","group":"Ingredients","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"1/4 teaspoon baking soda","name":"Baking Soda","quantity":1.25,"unit":"g","usQuantity":0.25,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"powder","notes":"dissolved in 1 tsp water","group":"Ingredients","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"1 teaspoon vanilla extract","name":"Vanilla Extract","quantity":5,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"liquid","notes":"","group":"Ingredients","optional":false}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the goat milk, granulated sugar, and cinnamon stick.","group":"Cooking","title":"Combine the goat milk, granulated sugar, and cinnamon stick","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the sugar is fully dissolved.","group":"Cooking","title":"Place the pot over medium heat","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"Once simmering, remove the pot from the heat momentarily. Stir in the baking soda solution. The mixture will foam up significantly, so stir carefully until the foam subsides.","group":"Cooking","title":"Remove the pot from the heat momentarily","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"Return the pot to low heat and simmer gently for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Stir frequently, especially toward the end, to prevent the bottom from scorching as the liquid reduces and thickens.","group":"Cooking","title":"Return the pot to low heat and simmer gently","timerMinutes":90,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"},{"id":"instruction-5","text":"The Cajeta is ready when it reaches a deep amber color and is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, or reaches 220°F (104°C). Remove from heat, discard the cinnamon stick, and stir in the vanilla extract. Let cool completely before transferring to a jar.","group":"Finishing","title":"The Cajeta is ready when it reaches a deep amber color and is thick enough","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Finishing"}],"notes":"Authentic cajeta is traditionally made in a copper pot, but any heavy-bottomed large pot will work. Be very careful when adding the baking soda as the mixture will foam up rapidly.","cuisine":{"group":"Latin American","specific":["Mexican"]},"course":["sauce","dessert"],"cookingMethod":["simmer","boil"],"equipment":["large heavy-bottomed pot","wooden spoon","candy thermometer","glass jar"],"diet":["vegetarian","gluten_free"],"allergens":["milk"],"difficulty":"medium","yield":{"amount":350,"unit":"ml","note":"Makes about 1.5 cups"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"Cajeta can be made well in advance and stored in the refrigerator."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Store in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator. If it becomes too firm, warm it slightly before serving.","reheatingNotes":"Microwave in 10-second intervals or heat in a water bath."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fcajeta_2326b56a64%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=9f46f029-ea34-498f-86ca-40a8116e268d","imageAlt":"Cajeta (Mexican Goat Milk Caramel) — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["caramel","mexican","goat milk","sweet","traditional","sauce"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Cajeta (Mexican Goat Milk Caramel)","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-04T00:06:36.006Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-04T00:06:36.006Z","related":[{"id":"agua_fresca_de_limon_2a14774356","slug":"agua-fresca-de-limon","title":"Agua Fresca de Limón","description":"A traditional, crisp, and refreshing Latin American lime drink that perfectly balances tangy citrus with a hint of sweetness. Ideal for hot days or as a light accompaniment to spicy meals.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":0,"totalMinutes":10,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"Latin American","specific":["Mexican"]},"course":["appetizer","dessert"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free","nut_free","egg_free","low_fat","low_sodium"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fagua_fresca_de_limon_2a14774356%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=fe94cf6f-2bf2-4184-ac60-2b5d49ae8160","imageAlt":"Agua Fresca de Limón — recipe cover","tags":["lime","refreshing","summer drink","mexican beverages","easy drinks","agua fresca"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":4,"stepCount":4},{"id":"guacamole_02c4aeff87","slug":"fresh-guacamole","title":"Fresh Guacamole","description":"A creamy, zesty, and authentic Mexican-style dip made with ripe avocados, fresh cilantro, and a touch of lime juice. Perfect for parties or a healthy snack.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":15,"cookMinutes":0,"totalMinutes":15,"activeMinutes":15},"cuisine":{"group":"Latin American","specific":["Mexican"]},"course":["sauce"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","keto","paleo","low_carb","gluten_free","dairy_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fguacamole_02c4aeff87%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=c1633ab4-c42f-4149-875c-7e7cf1a2c118","imageAlt":"Fresh Guacamole — recipe cover","tags":["dip","avocado","mexican","healthy","keto","vegan","gluten-free"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":8,"stepCount":4},{"id":"mojo_ef8c4ff95f","slug":"mojo-garlic-sauce","title":"Mojo Garlic Sauce","description":"A bright, zesty, and punchy Latin American sauce loaded with fresh garlic, citrus, and warm spices. This classic condiment is essential for marinating meats, dressing vegetables, or as a flavorful dip for yuca fries.","serves":8,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":5,"totalMinutes":15,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"Latin American","specific":["Cuban"]},"course":["sauce"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free","nut_free","egg_free","soy_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fmojo_ef8c4ff95f%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=9fc8e21e-f804-4215-9e7c-9d1629d2f488","imageAlt":"Mojo Garlic Sauce — recipe cover","tags":["mojo","garlic","citrus","marinade","cuban","sauce","easy","zesty"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":7,"stepCount":4}]}