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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-SP.005.0181.001

Palak Muragh

right|Name of the Recipe

RCI-BR.008.0147.001

Palatschinken

or are flat round cakes, similar to pancakes, but with a different dough, and much thinner, also similar to the French crêpes, though again with a different dough and a little bit thicker.

RCI-BR.004.0392.001

Panamanian Mango Pudding

Panamanian Mango Pudding from the Recidemia collection

Pancake
RCI-BR.008.0148.001

Pancake

Pancakes are a type of flatbread.

RCI-PF.003.0003.001

Paneer

Paneer is a fresh curd cheese of Indian origin made by curdling milk with an acid and pressing out the water and whey.

RCI-PF.003.0004.001

Paneer

Paneer is a fresh curd cheese of Indian origin made by curdling milk with an acid and pressing out the water and whey.

RCI-SP.005.0184.001

Paneer in Cashew Sauce

The literal translation of Shahi Paneer is ‘Royal Paneer’…very appropriate – A dish fit for a king. The richness of the sauce comes from the cashews. Serves 6.

Panna cotta
RCI-DS.001.0396.001

Panna cotta

Panna cotta in blackberry sauce is an Italian dessert, the name of which means cooked cream. Similar dishes are also found in France and Greece.

RCI-DS.001.0395.001

Panna cotta

Panna cotta in blackberry sauce is an Italian dessert, the name of which means cooked cream. Similar dishes are also found in France and Greece.

RCI-BR.008.0156.001

Pannekoeken

The Dutch recipe for pancakes. Please note that in the Netherlands pancakes are both eaten as a meal, and as a dessert. Dutch pancakes are lighter to the stomach than American pancakes, allowing you to eat more.

RCI-BR.008.0157.001

Panqueques de Dulce de Leche

Panqueques de Dulce de Leche from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.002.0113.001

Papa Turmada

Papa Turmada is a baked potato and criolla sauce with sausage casserole, from Cucuta, Norte de Santander Colombia.

RCI-BR.004.0393.001

Papaw Upside-down Cake

Papaw Upside-down Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.002.0078.001

Parmesan Carbonara

This recipe was taken from Cathy's Menu and recipes for the week of 2/11/07

RCI-MT.004.0629.001

Parmesan chicken fingers

Parmesan chicken fingers from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0312.001

Passover Muffins

Passover Muffins from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0403.001

Pastel de Tres Leches

Pastel de Tres Leches from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0142.001

Pâté chinois

Pâté chinois is a traditional French Canadian main course, and is often served during the cold months of the year. It is typically served with pickled beets.

RCI-BR.006.0244.001

Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler is a a good portion of fruit and bread.

RCI-DS.002.0144.001

Peach Ice Cream

, this is a common treat.

RCI-BR.007.0094.001

Peachy Cream Cheese Danish

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Cartwright Estate in Richardson, Texas in 2002.

RCI-BV.007.0109.001

Peach Yogurt Shake

This recipe comes from an Estate Sale and were obtained when The Family Collection from The Wetzel Estate in Plano, Texas was purchased in 1982.

RCI-DS.001.0408.001

Peanut Brittle Parfait

Makes 8 servings

RCI-BR.008.0161.001

Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast

Here’s a delicious take on an all time favorite.

RCI-SC.007.0234.001

PEANUT BUTTER GLAZE

PEANUT BUTTER GLAZE from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.002.0147.001

Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cups

Contributed by Lilly at Catsrecipes Y-Group * 12 Servin

RCI-SC.007.0235.001

Peanut Butter Icing

Great peanut butter icing for a cake. For larger cakes you may want to double up on the ingredients to ensure you have enough to cover the whole cake.

RCI-BR.003.0316.001

Peanut Butter Muffins

Peanut & Pecan Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Cook Time: 30 – 45 minutes Serves: 12

RCI-BR.006.0248.002

Peanut Butter Pie

Peanut & Pecan Recipes by the South Carolina

RCI-BR.005.0488.001

Peanut butter whirls

Peanut butter whirls from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0489.001

Peanut Cookies I

Peanut Cookies I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0490.001

Peanut Cookies II

Peanut Cookies II from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0317.001

Peanut Gems

Peanut Gems from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.002.0148.001

PEANUT ICE CREAM

Senegal is the Peanut capital of the world. It is therefore fitting to serve peanuts in some form at your Senegalese dinner.

RCI-SP.002.0147.001

Peanut Soup

Peanut Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.007.0114.001

Pearl's Strawberry Milkshake

This drink has the flavor of fresh strawberries, but comes from the freezer.

RCI-SF.001.0272.001

Pecan Catfish

A Catfish recipe.

RCI-DS.001.0409.001

Pecan-crusted Custard with Peaches and Berries

From Southern Living 2007 Cookoff Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 3 minutes | Cool: 55 minutes | Chill: 2 Hr | Broil: 3 minutes | Stand: 5 minutes From "Catsrecipes Y-Group" Makes 6 servings

RCI-BR.008.0163.001

Pecan Peach Crêpes

Pecan Peach Crêpes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0411.001

Pennsylvania Dutch Breakfast Cake

A fine recipe for a Sunday breakfast or brunch. Serve with fresh fruit.

RCI-BR.006.0254.001

Peppermint Cloud Rice Pie

Makes 6 servings

RCI-BV.008.0064.001

Perfectly Chocolate Hot Cocoa

Makes 1 serving

RCI-VG.004.1016.001

Pernice Estate Broccoli Casserole

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Pernice Estate in Mesquite, Texas in 1988.

RCI-DS.001.0413.001

Persian Apricot Rice Pudding

I found this recipe online, and had to post it here. I really really,really love recipes like this. My dad is from England, so he loves his rice pudding, and this is a really, nice twist on the plaid version!

RCI-DS.001.0415.001

Peruvian Cream

Peruvian Cream from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0164.001

Pesach Blintz Leaves

Pesach Blintz Leaves from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.002.0244.001

Picarones

Picarones

RCI-BR.008.0165.001

Pice Bach

Welsh Cakes

RCI-BR.004.0413.001

Pineapple Pound Cake

Contributed by Lilly at Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-DS.001.0425.001

Pineapple Rice Delight

Makes 8 servings