Pantry hacks: Sweetened condensed milk

Vietnamese iced coffee

Makes: 1

Time: 10 mins

Pour 200ml strong, chilled coffee over a glass of ice. Add 30ml (2 tbsp) condensed milk and stir to combine, before enjoying as a refreshing drink at any time of the day.

Condensed milk and vanilla-roasted figs

Serves: 4

Time: 40 mins

Preheat the oven to 160°C and grease a roasting dish generously with butter. In the prepared dish, toss 10 figs (some torn and others left whole) with 60ml (¼ cup) condensed milk, seeds of 2 vanilla pods and a pinch salt. Roast until the figs are soft and the condensed milk slightly caramelised, about 30 minutes.

Sweet and spicy Asian pork skewers

Serves: 4

Time: 30 mins + 30 mins, to cool

In a medium pot, combine 1 x 385g tin condensed milk, 30ml (2 tbsp) fish sauce, 30ml (2 tbsp) soya sauce, 10ml (2 tsp) sesame oil, 2,5ml (½ tsp) ground turmeric, 5ml (1 tsp) ground coriander, 5ml (1 tsp) ground cumin, 5ml (1 tsp) minced fresh ginger and 1 sliced red chilli. Bring the condensed milk mixture to a simmer, 3 minutes. In a bowl, toss 4 pork steaks (cut into 4cm cubes) with the warm condensed milk mixture. Refrigerate the pork to marinate, 30 minutes, before threading the meat onto 4 – 6 wooden or metal skewers. Heat a splash of olive oil in a griddle pan over medium-high heat and grill the skewers, turning occasionally, until the pork is just cooked through, 4 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and serve scattered with fresh coriander.