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milk

DairyYear-round, though milk composition varies seasonally; spring and early summer milk typically exhibits higher butterfat and protein content in grass-fed systems due to fresh pasture availability.

Milk is an excellent source of complete protein, calcium, and phosphorus; it also provides B vitamins (particularly B12 and riboflavin) and vitamin A. The fat-soluble vitamin content and bioavailability of minerals is enhanced by the milk's fat content.

About

Milk is a nutrient-dense liquid secreted by the mammary glands of lactating mammals to nourish their offspring. In culinary contexts, cow's milk is the most widely used type globally, though goat, sheep, buffalo, and camel milk are significant in various regions. Milk consists primarily of water (approximately 87%), lactose (milk sugar), casein and whey proteins, and milk fat, with the precise composition varying by species, breed, diet, and lactation stage.

Whole milk typically contains 3.5-4% fat; lower-fat versions include reduced-fat (2%), low-fat (1%), and skim milk (0-0.5% fat). Raw milk differs from pasteurized milk in microbial content and enzyme activity; ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing allows longer shelf stability. Milk flavor ranges from neutral to slightly sweet and creamy, with variations influenced by animal diet, breed, and freshness.

Culinary Uses

Milk functions as both a foundational ingredient and a finished beverage across virtually all culinary traditions. It serves as a primary component in dairy products including cheese, yogurt, butter, and cream; appears in baked goods, sauces, custards, and desserts; and is essential to beverages from hot chocolate to latte preparations. In cooking, milk provides moisture, richness, and structure to béchamel and other classic sauce foundations, contributes to emulsification in soups and gravies, and facilitates the development of tender crumb in cakes and pastries.

Different milk fat contents suit specific applications: whole milk is preferred for drinking and cream-based applications, while skim or low-fat milk works well in lighter sauces and beverages. Milk can be reduced, scalded, or fermented to concentrate flavors and alter texture. Its interactions with heat, acid, and salt are fundamental to cheese-making, sauce preparation, and bread-making.

Used In

Recipes Using milk (1,275)

RCI-DS.003.0133.001

Doce de Leite

right|Doce de Leite

RCI-DS.001.0210.001

Double-banana Pudding

right This simple, no-cooking-required recipe comes from my paternal grandmother, and is a variation on the classic banana pudding recipe that comes on the back of the vanilla wafer box.

RCI-BR.005.0251.001

Double-chocolate Kiss Cookies

Makes about 3 dozen cookies

RCI-BR.006.0106.001

Down-Home Vegetable Pot Pie

.

RCI-BR.003.0176.001

Drop Biscuits

Drop Biscuits from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.005.0013.001

Drop Dumplings

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group * 8 Servings.

RCI-BR.005.0259.001

Drop Fruit Cookies

Drop Fruit Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0095.001

Dumplings and Cocky's Joy

Dumplings and Cocky's Joy from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.005.0016.001

Dumplings for Chicken

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-DS.002.0067.001

Durian icecream

From Charmaine Solomon's Encyclopedia of Asian Food, Periplus Editions,1998 I'm always on the lookout for durian recipes and this is a good one.

RCI-BR.003.0178.001

Dutch Almond Bread

There are many Dutch pastries and desserts made with almond paste. It's popular and delicious. This is a wonderful sweet bread recipe. The prep time includes soaking the cereal. Makes one very large loaf, or two loaves.

RCI-SP.003.0241.001

Dutch Potato Soup

A thick vast potato soup. Very good during the winter.

RCI-BR.004.0203.001

Early American Graham Cracker Cake

Thanks to Dr. Sylvester Graham, you can bake this crunchy cake from crackers named after him. Graham, who lived in the early 1800s insisted that whole wheat flour was far more healthy then white flour. In those days, it was.

RCI-BR.004.0204.001

Easter Special Cake

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.001.0079.001

Easy French Bread

=Easy French Bread=

RCI-DS.003.0137.001

Easy Turrón

A Turrón is explained here: but it's basically a sweet bar-like finger candy.

RCI-BR.001.0082.001

Easy Yeast Rolls

Contributed by Delma at Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: S

RCI-DS.001.0222.001

Éclair Cake

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Decker Estate in Elmo, Texas in 1999.

RCI-EG.003.0054.001

Egg Casserole

Egg Casserole is great at any time of the day and is good to serve when family gets together or in other large groups.

RCI-DS.001.0223.001

Eggjamjólk - Egg soup

Similar to egg-nog, but without the alcohol. The original recipe includes Raisins/or prunes, which I prefer to leave out.

RCI-EG.004.0025.001

Eggnog

Eggnog from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.004.0030.001

Eggnoggin Plus

Eggnoggin Plus from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.004.0038.001

Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: SeasonsAtH

RCI-SC.001.0020.001

Egg Sauce

In Romanian: Sos de ou

RCI-DS.001.0227.001

Egyptian Bread and Butter Pudding

Egyptian Bread and Butter Pudding from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.005.0079.001

Egyptian Kofta

Egyptian Kofta from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0090.001

Egyptian Pumpkin Soup

Egyptian Pumpkin Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0450.001

Elephant Ears

Elephant ears. ) Makes 4 elephant ears.

RCI-BR.001.0085.001

Elsie Hronek's Kolaches

This is a traditional Bohemian pastry recipe handed down from my wife's much beloved Bohemian grandmother who took joy in watching her family eat.

RCI-BR.007.0051.001

Empanadas

Empanadas

RCI-SN.005.0017.001

Empanadas de Horno

Empanadas de Horno Makes 10 baked empanadas.

RCI-BV.008.0028.001

Emperor Franz Josef's Mocha and Rum

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: my old rec

RCI-BR.004.0210.001

English Battenberg Cake

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-EG.003.0067.001

English Crumpets

Crumpets are traditionally served at breakfast and at afternoon tea. Accompany them with unsalted butter, syrups and your choice of jams, jellies or marmalades.

RCI-BR.001.0086.001

English Muffins

These are a favourite for breakfast, with butter, or jelly on top.

RCI-DS.002.0069.001

English Peas and New Potatoes

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.003.0185.001

English Scones

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-EG.003.0068.001

English style Toad in the Hole

English style Toad in the Hole from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0231.001

English Trifle II

English Trifle II from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.001.0021.001

Everyday Vanilla Sauce

Makes 1¾ cups Everyday Vanilla Sauce

RCI-SP.002.0091.001

Ezme Sebze

Ezme Sebze Çorbasi Ezme Sebze (cream of Vegetable Soup) is usually prepared in western regions, especially in the winter.

RCI-EG.001.0013.001

Fall Chanterelle Mushroom Frittata

– Servings: 5.3 Serving size: 3 ounces Yield: 16 ounces

RCI-MT.005.0086.001

Faschierter Braten

Austrian Cuisine

RCI-BR.008.0067.001

Fast Mango Crêpes

Make 12 crepes.

RCI-BV.005.0032.001

Favorite Egg Nog

Favorite Egg Nog from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0487.001

Fennel Seed Basil Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Fennel Seed Basil Vanilla Bean Ice Cream from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0135.001

Festive Condensed Nut Casserole

* Serves 8

RCI-BR.007.0054.001

Feteer bel Asaag

Pastry with ground meat

RCI-VG.004.0489.001

Fettucini alfonso

Fettucini alfonso from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0068.001

Ffroes

Pancakes