It is not known who invented dulce de leche as there are different explanations and stories depending on the country and region. For example, in Argentina there is a theory that says dulce de leche was the product of a fortuitous event in the city of Cañuelas in 1829, during a meeting between General Lavalle and General Juan Manuel de Rosas, when a maid forgot about a mixture of milk and sugar being cooked on a fire. Upon her return she realised it has turned into a thick, sweet sauce.