viva, that's so cool about your family! Where in Brazil? Did you ever go there?
Thistle, yes, condensed milk is sold in the baking aisle, and Carnation is usually the main brand there. They also sell evaporated milk in similar cans, so it's important not to mix them up. But my favorite brand is La Lechera, which is Nestle's brand for Latin America (sold here, often in the Hispanic/Mexican food section of grocery stores). It's much thicker and already has a caramelized taste. Carnation is not bad (it's also Nestle). But the other day I got a fancy organic one at Whole Foods and it was a disappointment... thin and too milky-tasting, not enough sugary caramel notes.
