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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-BR.005.0092.001

Brown Sugar Cookies I

Brown Sugar Cookies I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0025.001

Brussels Sprouts Soup

Serves 6.

RCI-SW.002.0016.001

Buffalo chicken sandwich

A is a sandwich consisting of pieces of boneless Buffalo chicken and blue cheese on a submarine sandwich style roll. The recipe is for one sandwich. , but fry the chicken one piece at a time.

RCI-DS.003.0029.001

Bulgarian Creme Caramel

Bulgarian Creme Caramel from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0076.001

Butterscotch Cheesecake with Chocolate Drizzle

Butterscotch Cheesecake with Chocolate Drizzle from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0046.001

Butterscotch Pie

My mother obtained from her knitting group in 1952. She said it had been around for years at that point. She is guessing that this is a recipe from the 1920's.

RCI-VG.001.0078.001

Cabbage and Pineapple Salad

Cabbage and Pineapple Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0098.001

Cajeta Flan

Cajeta Flan from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0086.001

Cajun Coleslaw

I serve this slaw with grilled foods that have been seasoned with a cajun or creole dry rub.

RCI-ND.006.0013.001

Cajun Mac and Cheese

Contributed by Smiles From The Lr at World Recipes Y-G

RCI-VG.004.0175.001

Cajun Red Beans and Rice

Cajun Red Beans and Rice is a classic southern dish, known as a working man dish.

RCI-BR.005.0103.001

California Avocado Bars

California Avocado Bars from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0030.001

California Avocado Bisque Soup

California Avocado Bisque Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0047.001

California Avocado Chiffon Pie

California Avocado Chiffon Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.002.0069.001

California Avocado Crab-Cutlets

A unique and delicious main dish cutlet that always gets a rave!

RCI-BV.007.0036.001

California Avocado Milk Shake

California Avocado Milk Shake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0032.001

California Avocado-Seafood Chowder

Is your soup menu a snooze? Consider this distinctive seafood chowder where California avocados act as a rich and colorful wake-up call.

RCI-DS.004.0053.001

California Peach Pudding

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-RC.005.0021.001

California Peach Pudding (Fresh Peaches)

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SP.002.0034.001

Callaloo Soup

This remarkable, bright green soup features callaloo (taro leaves or dasheen), but spinach is an excellent substitute.

RCI-SF.002.0054.001

Camaron Frito

Camaron Frito from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0041.001

Canadian Pancakes

Canadian pancakes are small and puffy with a crisp edges.

RCI-BR.003.0113.001

Canadian Scones

Canadian Scones from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0104.001

Canal Cake

Canal Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0114.001

Candy Cane Bread

Candy Cane Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0038.001

Candy Sushi Snack Bites

Candy roll-ups in the shape of sushi. Makes 48 'sushi' rolls.

RCI-EG.004.0008.001

Can You Say Yowza Eggnog

Purchased from the Nelson Estate in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1992.

RCI-BR.004.0089.001

Cappuccino-kissed Cheesecake

Makes 16 servings

RCI-DS.001.0107.001

Caramel Custard

A sweet sauce.

RCI-DS.001.0108.001

Caramelized Bread Pudding

From my Aunt Maggie's collection. She made this for me many times when I was a small child and I still remember the aroma and delightful taste of this recipe.

RCI-BR.006.0052.001

Caramelized Onion Quiche

For 6 – 8 servings.

RCI-DS.001.0109.001

Caramelized Sugar Cream

In Romanian: crema de zahar ars

RCI-SC.007.0054.001

Caramelized Sugar Sauce

Caramelized Sugar Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0110.001

Caramel Rice Pudding

Makes 4 servings.

RCI-BV.008.0017.001

Caramel Vanilla Latte

Caramel Vanilla Latte from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0108.001

Caraway Cookies

Caraway Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0091.001

Cardamom Coffee Cakes

Yield: 2 coffee cakes

RCI-RC.001.0044.001

Cardamom-infused Chicken with Rice

This dish is my ultimate comfort food. Its commonly eaten in winter and during the month of Ramadan for the predawn breakfast,but for me its a regular at least 2 or 3 times a month. Its always served with doggos (Saudi salsa).

RCI-RC.004.0059.001

Carmelita's Rice Pudding

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SP.002.0037.001

Carrot and Coriander Soup

A nice soup, a classic combination made with made with both fresh and ground coriander - but the fresh coriander adde near the end of cooking really adds the bright flavour of coriander to match with the carrot.

RCI-BR.003.0120.001

Carrot Cream Bread

.

RCI-SP.002.0045.001

Carrot Soup

300px| Carrot Soup

RCI-SF.001.0067.001

Cashew-crusted Catfish with Tomato Basil Cream

A Catfish recipe.

RCI-EG.003.0030.001

Cassava Root Soufflé (Budin de Yuca)

Cassava Root Soufflé (Budin de Yuca) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0103.001

Castle Pudding

Serves 5

RCI-SF.001.0068.001

Catfish Beignets with Remoulade Dipping Sauce

A catfish recipe.

RCI-SF.001.0069.001

Catfish Cakes

Makes 10 servings.

RCI-ND.002.0015.001

Catfish in Black Peppercorn Sauce

A Catfish recipe.

RCI-SF.001.0071.001

Catfish Nuggets with Champagne Mustard Sauce

A Catfish recipe.

RCI-DS.001.0114.001

Cathy's Banana Pudding

From my Aunt Maggie's Collection. Dated 1919.