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evaporated milk

evaporated milk

DairyYear-round. As a processed, shelf-stable product, evaporated milk is available consistently throughout the year and does not depend on dairy production seasonality.

Evaporated milk is a good source of calcium and protein, with higher concentration than fresh milk due to water removal; it also contains vitamins A and D, though fat content varies by type (full-fat, reduced-fat, or fat-free versions are available).

About

Evaporated milk is a shelf-stable dairy product made by removing approximately half of the water content from fresh milk through heating under vacuum conditions, followed by homogenization and sterilization. Originating in the 19th century as a method to preserve milk without refrigeration, evaporated milk is distinguished by its concentrated, slightly caramelized flavor and creamier consistency than fresh milk. The product is typically unsweetened, though sweetened condensed milk (a distinct product with added sugar) is often conflated with it. Evaporated milk contains milk solids, fat, and proteins in higher concentrations than fresh milk, resulting in a richer mouthfeel and increased cling to the palate.

Culinary Uses

Evaporated milk is employed across numerous culinary traditions as both a thickening agent and a cream substitute, particularly valued in regions with limited refrigeration or dairy access. In Latin American cuisine, it is essential to flan, dulce de leche, and various custard preparations. Southeast Asian cuisines incorporate it into curries, desserts, and coffee drinks. In American home cooking, evaporated milk features in baked goods, gravies, pie fillings, and cream soups. Its stability and long shelf life make it practical for both everyday cooking and institutional food service. When reconstituted with water in equal parts, it approximates the viscosity of light cream; undiluted, it adds body and richness to savory and sweet dishes alike.

Used In

Recipes Using evaporated milk (104)

RCI-DS.003.0152.001

Fruit Nut Chocolate Fudge

Fruit Nut Chocolate Fudge from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0400.001

Galinha à Portuguêsa

Galinha à Portuguêsa from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0236.001

German Chocolate Cake

German Chocolate Cake swept the country and is now considered a classic.

RCI-BR.004.0241.001

Gigantic, Three-Layer, Coconut-filled Chocolate Cake

Submitted by kywai Image:Cocochoco5.jpg

RCI-SC.002.0013.001

Gracie's Mayonnaise

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Mom Marcon

RCI-SN.002.0170.001

Grouper Fingers

Grouper Fingers from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0285.001

Guyanese Potato Salad

Guyanese Potato Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0268.001

Habichuelas con Dulce

Habichuelas con Dulce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0111.001

He’s Just An Old Crab Chowder

Purchased from the Patterson Estate in Tyler, Texas in 1992. Notation on card indicates this was a favorite of Mr. Rodgers. Dated 1931.

RCI-SP.004.0172.001

Hobgoblin stew

Hobgoblin stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.003.0084.001

Kugelis I

Lithuanian grated potato kugel

RCI-DS.003.0193.001

Louisiana Creamy Pralines

Louisiana Creamy Pralines from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0317.001

Macanese Mango Pudding

Macanese Mango Pudding from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0827.001

Malia's Corn Pudding

Malia's Corn Pudding from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0199.001

Maple Fudge

Serves 4.

RCI-DS.002.0131.001

Maraschino Ice Cream

Serves 6.

RCI-SN.002.0204.001

Maruya

Golden banana fritter known as "maruya" in the Philippines.

RCI-SP.001.0079.001

Mealie Soup

Corn soup Serves 6

RCI-MT.005.0187.002

Meatloaf I

From Menu and Recipes Week 2/11/07 From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"

RCI-MT.005.0197.001

Meat-Za Pie

Ready in 30 minutes. This came from Brownie Shrumpp's collection of recipes from the local paper.

RCI-DS.002.0132.001

Mellow Mango Pops

Mellow Mango Pops from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0214.001

Microwave Fudge

Contributed by Paula in California via Catsrecipes Y-Gro

RCI-BR.002.0067.001

Nan

right|Nan

RCI-MT.004.0594.001

Nassau Chicken

Nassau Chicken from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0227.001

Old-fashioned Egg Custard Pie

From my grandmother's collection. Dated 1912.

RCI-MT.004.0616.001

Oven Chicken Parmesan

From Menu and Recipes Week 6/24/07 From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"

RCI-BR.003.0307.001

Pan de Maiz

Pan de Maiz from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0191.001

Paska

1 recipe, makes 3 loaves of bread, 3 Kalachas and 1 longosha (cabbage pie) and 1 portion of Babalki (or 8 loaves of bread) (or 8 Kalachas).

RCI-DS.001.0417.001

Peruvian Rice Pudding

Peruvian Rice Pudding from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.005.0051.001

Ponche de Creme

- This seasonal beverage is usually enjoyed as a cocktail at Christmastime. It is similar to eggnog.

RCI-SP.004.0252.001

Porkchop Étouffée

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-EG.003.0111.001

Potato Bacon Casserole

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Wagner Estate in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1991.

RCI-DS.003.0259.001

Pralines

Pralines from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0438.001

Puerto Rican Pudding

Puerto Rican Pudding from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0329.001

PULIGI

PULIGI from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0266.001

Red Cross Fudge

Delicious easy fudge that works every time. Never crystallizes. View in original format.

RCI-VG.005.0193.001

Sauerkraut Candy

From my grandmother's collection. Dated 1928. This one sounds really strange to me, but my mother tells me she had it many times as a child and it is fabulous. Let me know if you try it and what you think.

RCI-VG.004.1203.001

Scalloped Corn II

From Menu and Recipes for the week of 2/25/07 From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"

RCI-SP.003.0603.001

Sopa a la Criolla

Sopa a la Criolla

RCI-SP.003.0604.001

Sopa a la Criolla II

Sopa a la Criolla II

RCI-DS.003.0294.001

St. George Card Party Fantasy Fudge

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-BV.004.0166.001

Sugar-free Fruit Cream

Fruit Cream, without the sugar!

RCI-DS.001.0561.001

Tiakri

This is an Cameroonian snack similar to rice pudding.

RCI-ND.002.0148.001

Tofu Fettuccini

Tofu Fettuccini from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0351.001

Tradewinds Mango Pie

Tradewinds Mango Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0531.001

Tres leches cake

Tres leches cake is a popular Latin American dessert using 3 types of milk. This simple recipe was found in a recipe book unfortunately the author is now unknown.

RCI-BR.004.0533.001

Tres Leches Costa Rica

milk cake

RCI-BR.004.0534.001

Tres Leches or Milk cake

Tres Leches or Milk cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0535.001

Tres Leches/ Three Milks

Tres Leches/ Three Milks from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0307.001

Triple-chocolate Fudge

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Taste of t