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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-VG.002.0091.001

Mexi-Mashed Potatoes

Potatoes, Dehydrated Flakes, Dry by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 6

RCI-DS.001.0343.001

Microwave 1 2 3 cake

A quick and easy sweet cake recipe made in the microwave.

RCI-BR.004.0342.001

Microwave Chocolate Cake

A quick and easy chocolate cake recipe made in the microwave.

RCI-BV.008.0058.001

Microwave Hot Cocoa

Cook Time: 2 minutes Serves: 1

RCI-SP.002.0130.001

Mielieroomsop

Sweet-corn soup is served on game lodges in the Tuli Block in the south of Botswana. It is something different to spoil your guests with.

RCI-DS.001.0345.001

Mihallabiya (Rosewater flavored Milk Pudding)

Mihallabiya (Rosewater flavored Milk Pudding) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0204.001

Milk banitsa

Milk banitsa from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0345.001

Milk Cake

Milk Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0346.001

Milk Cream with Chocolate

In Romanian: crema de lapte cu ciocolata

RCI-BR.002.0063.001

Milk Lefse

Milk Lefse

RCI-BR.006.0206.001

Milk Pie

Milk Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0881.001

Milk Rice (Gossi)

Milk Rice (Gossi) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0349.001

Milk Tapioca Pudding

If you add enough sugar, it will erase all the yucky elements of this!

RCI-BR.008.0123.001

Millet Pancakes

Millet Pancakes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.005.0056.001

Millet Porridge with Pumpkin

Millet Porridge with Pumpkin from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.002.0208.001

Mini Corndogs

Mini Corndogs from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.005.0079.001

Miso Nikomi Udon

Japanese noodles in miso soup Translated from a Japanese language cookbook (Shinkatei Hyakkajiten Vol. 1, Kodan-sha, 1967). I have recently made this, and will rearrange the directions to be more user-friendly by the end of April '05.

RCI-VG.004.0891.001

Mixed Bean Soup

Serves 4-6.

RCI-BV.007.0093.001

Mixed Fruit Smoothie

Mixed Fruit Smoothie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0578.001

Mjólkursoðinn Lundi

Puffin in milk sauce I don't care much for puffin and other sea-birds as food, but many people love them and eat them whenever they can. This recipe resembles the recipe for rock ptarmigan, in that the birds are cooked in milk.

RCI-BV.008.0059.001

Mocha Mexican Coffee Drink

.

RCI-DS.001.0355.001

Mocha Pudding for Passover

Mocha Pudding for Passover from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0355.001

Moist and Delicious Cake

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.005.0421.001

Molasses Cookies

These cookies can be considered , and originally were named as such. They resemble the made by Archway; they use relatively little ginger and are thus not as spicy hot as gingerbread cookies from many other recipes.

RCI-BR.005.0423.001

Molasses Cookies II

Molasses Cookies II from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0427.001

Moldovan Corn Soup

Moldovan Corn Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0185.001

Mom's Bisquick Cobbler

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-SN.002.0213.001

Mom's Corn Fritters

I perfected this recipe in the early 1980s when I was a newlywed. My husband and I both like spice, so I added some peppers and onions.

RCI-SN.002.0214.001

Morel

= Morel Mushroom Sauce =

RCI-DS.001.0357.001

Moroccan Date Pudding

This versatile Moroccan dessert can be served hot or cold and is suitable for vegetarians.

RCI-VG.004.0910.001

Moroccan Potato Bean Soup

This soup is an authentic Moroccan recipe, guaranteed to warm the stomach! This recipe serves 6.

RCI-SP.002.0132.001

Moroccan Pumpkin Soup

This sweet soup is gorgeous and really warms you up when it's cold out. This recipe serves 6.

RCI-BR.003.0282.001

Moscow Ponchiki

Moscow Ponchiki from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.002.0095.001

Mother Cloutier's Potatoes au Gratin

A TNT recipe.

RCI-DS.001.0358.001

Mouhalabieh

Pudding right|Mouhalabieh

RCI-BR.004.0367.001

Mrs. Haller's Cheese Torte

Not quite a cheesecake and not quite a true torte, this is a very old recipe from my grandmother. This is a wonderfully creamy dessert, best served with a nice cup of coffee.

RCI-ND.002.0073.001

Mrs. Truman's Mac and Cheese

250px|right Mrs. Truman's Recipes from the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site, public domain government resource—original source of recipe This is one of Bess Truman's favorite dishes.

Mrs. Truman's Meatloaf
RCI-MT.005.0212.001

Mrs. Truman's Meatloaf

This is one of Bess Truman's favorite recipes. Mrs. Truman had a well-equipped kitchen and often prepared breakfast or lunch for her family. The Trumans also employed several African American women who cooked for the family. Mrs.

RCI-DS.001.0361.001

Muhallabia I

Ground rice pudding

RCI-VG.002.0096.001

Mushroom-stuffed Baked Potatoes

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

RCI-SC.001.0037.001

Mushroom White Sauce Stew

In Romanian: Ciulama de ciuperci.

RCI-BR.003.0283.001

My Mom's Poppy Seed Bread

This recipe was given to me by my friend, Tracy Wernsman. It is very yummy and I know holds a special place in her heart. Enjoy!

RCI-BR.003.0284.001

N00b Makes Buns

I have been told that I cannot cook. Sometimes I have to agree, I burnt my oven pizza tonight. So I wanted to prove that I can to myself and those that doubt my hidden chef talents.

RCI-DS.001.0363.001

Natilla

Natilla

RCI-BR.002.0069.001

Native American Fry Bread

Native American Fry Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.001.0138.001

Nawabi Biryani

Ethnicity - Marathi, West Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner

RCI-DS.004.0191.001

Nectarine Yogurt à la Donna

Nectarine Yogurt à la Donna from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0433.001

Never-Too-Much-Chocolate Cookies

Never-Too-Much-Chocolate Cookies from the Recidemia collection

New England Clam Chowder
RCI-SP.002.0136.001

New England Clam Chowder

This recipe taken from www.portuguese-recipes.com

RCI-SF.002.0180.001

New England Clam Chowder I

Live in Florida but born and raised in Maine: Nothing better than a hot steaming bowl of chowda' From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"