Empty the sweetened condensed milk into a large microwave safe bowl.

Microwave on medium power for two minutes.

Remove from microwave and stir with a wire whisk. Be careful; the mixture and bowl will get very hot and remain that way throughout the process.

Microwave on medium power for three minutes. Remove and stir again. Continue this process until mixture is thick and caramel colored, total time of about 20 minutes. If you like it a little deeper in color just microwave a bit longer.

When mixture is fairly thick (it will get thicker as it cools) and deep caramel colored, you're just about done. Remove from microwave and add vanilla and a pinch of sea salt. Stir until smooth with a whisk then pour into glass jars to store. If mixture is too thick once it is cooled add a tablespoon or two of milk or half and half and return to microwave for 30 seconds - then stir well to incorporate milk. Serve over ice cream, fresh fruit, cake, etc.