Dulce de Leche and Walnuts Alfajores

Homemade Dulce de Leche

1. Put unopened can of condensed milk in a saucepan, cover with water, bring to a boil and boil (covered) for 3 hours. May need to add more water to keep can fully submerged.
2. Important: Do not open the can until it has cooled completely.

Alfajores

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamed. Add egg, vanilla sugar (or suggested substitute), salt and water, and continue beating for 2 minutes.
3. Sift flour with baking powder and cornstarch in a small bowl. Add flour mixture to butter and sugar mixture.
4. Knead the dough and shape into a ball. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.
5. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch, and cut it into circles about 2 inches in diameter using a pastry cutter.
6. Arrange them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 5-6 minutes. Remove pan from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
7. To create sandwiches, cover one cookie with a spoonful of Dulce de Leche, spread walnuts over it, and top with another cookie. Repeat with remaining cookies. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve.