Milk, sugar, and vanilla are used to make dulce de leche, a traditional Latin American sweet spread typically made by slowly heating a can of condensed milk until it caramelizes. Dulce de leche originated accidentally in 1829 when a maid left a mixture of milk and sugar cooking over heat for too long, creating the first batch. It is commonly used in homes to spread on bread, in bakeries for cakes and pastries due to its dense texture, and by the food industry to flavor ice cream for its bright color and flavor.