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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-SN.002.0196.001

Maandazi

Maandazi from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0265.001

Macadamia Bread

300px| Macadamia Bread

RCI-BR.006.0185.001

Macadamia Nut Cream Pie

Contributed by Lilly at Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-DS.003.0196.001

Macadamia Nut Fudge

Family and friends look forward to this creamy fudge every holiday season. The macadamia nuts make it extra special. -Kristine Sokowski, Tremont, Illinois SERVINGS 44 CATEGORY Dessert METHOD Other stovetop PREP 15 min. COOK 15 min. TOTAL 30 min.

RCI-BR.004.0323.001

Macadamia Upside-down Cake

I just remembered! The cake was absolutely marvelous — as we thought it might be :) There's not a crumb left!

RCI-DS.001.0318.001

Macanese Steamed Egg Custard

Macanese Steamed Egg Custard from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.002.0064.001

Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese from Recipes for Better Nutrition During Cancer Treatment by the National Cancer Institute, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Soft, moist, and nourishing, this recipe is just as popular with or without milk.

RCI-BR.004.0324.001

Macedonian Coconut Cake

Macedonian Coconut Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.002.0198.001

Mahamri

Mahamri from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0115.001

Make Ahead French Toast Soufflé

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Prep Time 20 min.

RCI-BV.007.0078.001

Malibu Milk Shake

Contributed by The Bartending School

RCI-RC.004.0167.001

Malibu Rice

Makes 4 servings.

RCI-BR.001.0154.001

Maltese Bread (Hobz)

Serves 4.

RCI-DS.001.0323.001

Maltese Rice Pudding

Serves 4.

RCI-BR.004.0328.001

Mandarin orange cake

Mandarin orange cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0271.001

Mango-Banana Oatmeal Muffins

Mango-Banana Oatmeal Muffins from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0187.001

Mango Coconut Pie

Mango Coconut Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0330.001

Mango Crumb Cake

Mango Crumb Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0332.001

Mango-Ginger Upside-down Cake

Mango-Ginger Upside-down Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.002.0174.001

Mango Ham Loaf

Mango Ham Loaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0329.001

Mango Kheer

Mango Kheer

RCI-DS.001.0330.001

Mango-Lime Pudding

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-BV.007.0085.001

Mango Milchshake

Description

RCI-BV.007.0086.001

Mango-Raspberry Frost

Mango-Raspberry Frost from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.007.0087.001

Mango Rum Runner

This is great summer drink.

RCI-DS.001.0335.001

Maple Crème Brûlée

Maple Crème Brûlée from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.008.0055.001

Maple Hot Chocolate

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 4 servings.

RCI-SP.002.0128.001

Marc Veyrat's Pumpkin Soup with Bacon-flavoured Whipped Cream

Marc Veyrat is a famous French chef. This recipe is very simple, but has a lot of flavour through the whipped cream topping. It is so easy to prepare, that even beginners would succeed. In his restaurant it is served in small pumpkins.

RCI-MT.005.0160.001

Marengo Meat Balls with Rice

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-MT.004.0564.001

Maryland's Best Fried Chicken

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-VG.002.0086.001

Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic

This recipe comes from Montréal, Québec Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group Makes 6 servings

RCI-VG.004.0844.001

Mashed spinach with fried eggs

In Romanian: Pire de spanac pentru ochiuri.

RCI-BR.001.0156.001

Massa Sovada

Portugese Sweet Bread Contributed by Cat's Recipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.008.0120.001

Matzo Meal Pancakes

These are kosher for Passover

RCI-DS.001.0340.001

Maya Angelou's Banana Pudding

Created by Maya Angelou

RCI-BR.005.0413.001

Mbatata Cookies

Malawi is known as the "warm heart of Africa" due to the friendliness of Malawian people. These cookies can be cut in the shape of hearts to commemorate the Malawian people.

RCI-MT.005.0163.001

Meatball - Appetizers

This is a wonderful little appetizer we serve after Christmas Midnight Mass in our house.

Meat Balls
RCI-MT.005.0165.001

Meat Balls

Meat balls are a quick and simple addition to any meal.

RCI-BR.008.0121.001

Meat-filled pancake

A pancake filled with a filling that is made out of meat and Mushrooms. Can be eaten as lunch, or as an appetizer.

RCI-MT.005.0185.001

Meatloaf Cheese

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

Meat Loaf I
RCI-MT.005.0188.001

Meat Loaf I

Meat loaf

RCI-MT.005.0191.001

Meatloaf with Forethought

This recipe says not to have the gravy with the meatloaf, but have baked potatoes with the meatloaf. Have gravy later in the week over rice, noodles, or cold meatloaf. I think I'd have it over whatever I wanted.

RCI-RC.005.0054.001

Melkkos I

Milk food

RCI-BR.006.0200.001

Melktert I

Melktert. Good traditional Zambian and South African custard pie recipe. Try it! This is no Quick Melktert (microwave) recipe. This is the game traditional Zambian way.

RCI-DS.001.0342.001

Meringue-topped Pineapple Rice Pudding

Makes 8 servings.

RCI-BR.004.0340.001

Mexican Chocolate Cake with Mocha Buttercream

Mexican cuisine | Vegetarian Cuisine | Holiday Recipes

RCI-BV.008.0056.001

Mexican Cocoa

Mexican Cocoa from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0871.001

Mexican Corn Casserole

Mexican Corn Casserole from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0203.001

Mexican Sausage Pie

Mexican Sausage Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.005.0200.001

Mexican Surprise Meatballs

Mexican Surprise Meatballs from the Recidemia collection