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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-SC.007.0147.001

Helen's Soft Chocolate Frosting

Here is a good, fast-cooked icing.

RCI-MT.004.0450.001

Henry Estate Chicken à la King

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Henry Estate in Dallas, Texas in 1980.

RCI-BR.001.0120.001

Herb and Onion Bread

I like to substitute oregano for the rosemary because I'm an oregano freak. I usually add more herbs than it calls for.

RCI-SP.003.0325.001

HERB MEXICAN CORN BREAD

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RCI-BR.005.0352.001

Hermits I

Hermits I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0355.001

Hermits IV

Hermits IV from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0089.001

High Protein Pancakes

High Protein Pancakes from Recipes for Better Nutrition During Cancer Treatment by the National Cancer Institute, public domain government resource—original source of recipe These pancakes have double the protein of regular pancakes.

RCI-BR.004.0269.001

Holiday Cake

This is from an old recipe book of my mother's. " This recipe makes three loaves. It's tricky to get right but it's well worth the time and effort. We usually make it around Christmastime.

RCI-DS.001.0275.001

Holiday Chocolate Berry Trifle

Contributed by Lilly at Catsrecipes Y-Group * 12 Servin

RCI-VG.005.0072.001

Holubtsi

Holubtsi from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.008.0034.001

Holy Guacamole Drink

Holy Guacamole Drink from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.006.0027.001

Homemade Bratwurst

Bratwurst

RCI-BR.003.0230.001

Homemade Breadsticks

Homemade Breadsticks from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0278.001

Home-style Banana Pudding

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group * Serves 6 to 8

RCI-BR.003.0231.001

Hominy Bread

Hominy Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0145.001

Honduran Baked Bananas

Honduran "Glory" Bananas

RCI-SW.002.0057.001

Honduran Quesadillas

Honduran Quesadillas from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0160.001

Hopeless Fudge Frosting

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-MT.004.0480.001

Hot and Spicy Chicken

The Colonel used to sale chicken nuggets that were tasty but he taught why not prepare fresh chicken strips of all white meat and that is how the Colonel's Crispy Strips were born. You will notice it is the same as the Extra Crispy.

RCI-BV.008.0038.001

Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.001.0222.001

Hot Crab Spread

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Ritchie Estate in Balch Springs, Texas in 1984.

RCI-BR.001.0127.001

Hot Cross Bun

This is a popular and tasty dessert traditionally served before Easter.

RCI-SC.007.0165.001

Hot Fudge

The sort of hot fudge appropriate for putting on ice cream sundaes.

RCI-DS.001.0280.001

Hot Fudge Pudding

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Williams Estate in Tyler, Texas in 1994.

RCI-BR.004.0273.001

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

Contributed by Jenn b aka Mom2sam and Tiny World Recip

RCI-RC.004.0144.001

Hot German Rice Salad

Makes 8 servings.

RCI-BR.001.0129.001

Hungarian Beigli

Traditional Hungarian Christmas Dessert. It is absolutely yummy. Preparation time is the time that the dough needs for rising.

RCI-SP.002.0115.001

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

This Soup has lots of flavor and is fairly quick to make. It's primarily a mushroom soup but derives a lot of its flavor from other ingredients.

RCI-EG.003.0076.001

Hungry Person's Breakfast Custard Casserole

Purchased from the Weir Estate in Canton, Texas in 1990. Notation on card indicates this is Norman's favorite breakfast treat. Dated 1944.

RCI-BR.003.0235.001

Hush puppies

American cuisine Southern cuisine Vegetarian Cuisine Holiday Recipes Bread recipes =Hush puppie

RCI-BR.007.0069.001

Hvidkål med Kommen

Caraway dabbage

RCI-BR.004.0277.001

Ice Box Cake

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: old newspa

RCI-BR.008.0093.001

Icelandic Crêpes

Some traditional Icelandic desserts can be difficult to make in America because they require ingredients not easily available. But here´s one recipe that is very popular and very traditional and very easy.

RCI-BR.002.0050.001

Icelandic Snowflake Breads (laufabraud)

Icelandic Snowflake Breads (laufabraud) Laufabraud

RCI-BR.006.0160.001

Impossible Banana Cream Pie

Recipe By: Public domain recipes converted from meal Master format Yields: 8 servings

RCI-BR.008.0094.001

Incredible Pancakes with Strawberries

Purchased from the O'Reilly Estate in Fort Worth, Texas in 1988. Dated 1964. These are the most incredible pancakes. I tried them on my husband on his birthday and now it's a dish he requests 2 – 3 times a month.

RCI-DS.001.0282.001

Indian Carrot Jelly

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RCI-BV.008.0044.001

Indian Chai

Indian Chai from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.002.0051.001

Indian Fry Bread

Pioneer and Indian Recipes by Whitman Mission National Historical Site, National Parks Service, US Department of the Interior, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-DS.003.0177.001

In Jeol Mi

In jeol mi (Sweet rice cake covered with toasted bean powder Sweet rice cake covered with toasted bean powder

RCI-BR.004.0284.001

Innkeeper Pie

Innkeeper Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.007.0071.001

Instant Breakfast Shake

Fake Shakes from Recipes for Better Nutrition During Cancer Treatment by the National Cancer Institute, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Cook Time: About 5 minutes Serves: 1

RCI-BR.003.0238.001

Instant Malasadas

Didya know? There's a large population of Portuguese in Hawaii. Malasadas are the favorite donut of Hawaii. They are sold at carnivals every summer and many bakeries around the state. This is a poor imitation of a really good malasada...

RCI-BR.003.0242.001

Irish Scones

Irish Scones from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0707.001

Italian Florentine Casserole

Makes 8 servings.

RCI-BR.004.0291.001

Italian Love Cake

Contributed by Tina at World Recipes Y-Group * Makes

RCI-DS.004.0159.001

Jamaican Orange Pie

Jamaican Orange Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0288.001

Jasmine Rice Pudding

Serves 6 to 8.

RCI-BR.006.0163.001

Jell-O Oreo Pudding Pie

Contributed by Lilly at Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: O

RCI-BR.003.0247.001

Jiffy Fruit Cobbler

Jiffy Fruit Cobbler from the Recidemia collection