Can you use fresh milk instead of condensed in recipes?

You can't directly substitute fresh milk for condensed milk in most recipes. They are vastly different in terms of their composition and consistency.

Here's why:

* Sweetness: Condensed milk is very sweet due to the added sugar. Fresh milk is naturally only slightly sweet.

* Thickness: Condensed milk is thick and syrupy because most of the water has been evaporated out, concentrating the milk solids and sugars. Fresh milk is thin and watery.

* Fat content: Condensed milk usually has a higher fat content than regular milk.

* Preservation: Condensed milk is shelf-stable because the evaporation process inhibits bacterial growth. Fresh milk needs refrigeration.

What can you do?

* For sweetness: You can add sugar to fresh milk, but you'll need to experiment to find the right amount, as it won't be as thick or concentrated as condensed milk.

* For thickness: You can use a combination of fresh milk and cornstarch or flour to thicken it, or even use evaporated milk as a close substitute.

* For recipes requiring sweetness and thickness: You can try using a recipe specifically designed for fresh milk or evaporated milk.

Ultimately, the best solution depends on the specific recipe and your desired outcome. It's important to consider the role of the condensed milk in the recipe and try to find an alternative that achieves a similar texture and flavor.