Skip to content

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-EG.003.0031.001

Cauliflower Soufflé

In Romanian: Sufleu de conopida

RCI-SN.003.0077.001

Caws Pobi

Welsh Rarebit

RCI-BR.004.0104.001

Celebration Chocolate Cake

10 to 12 servings.

RCI-VG.004.0248.001

Celery Root or Kohlrabi Casserole

Celery Root or Kohlrabi Casserole from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.005.0024.001

Cereal Griddle Cakes

From my Grandmother’s Estate. Notation on card says this was one of several griddlecake recipes served at church breakfast fundraisers for years. Dated 1928.

RCI-SP.003.0144.001

Chadian Peanut Soup

Chadian Peanut Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0108.001

Cheddar Chili Cheesecake

A savory cheesecake.

RCI-SN.001.0112.001

Cheese Chippy Spread

This recipe came from an estate sale. It was obtained when the family collection was purchased from the Burnett Estate in Terrell, Texas in 1981.

RCI-ND.007.0015.001

Cheese dumplings

Austrian Cuisine Cheese dumplings (pressed) - Kaspressknödel: A typical Austrian dish - the best dumplings are flat dumplings… What would Austria be without dumplings? Dumplings exist in a variety of shapes and sizes.

RCI-ND.002.0020.001

Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Cheesy Chicken Pasta from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.003.0033.001

Cheesy Rice Soufflé

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

RCI-SP.002.0051.001

Chefout (Yemeni Green Yogurt Soup)

Chefout (Yemeni Green Yogurt Soup) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0127.001

Cherokee Huckleberry Bread

Cherokee Huckleberry Bread

RCI-DS.001.0120.001

Cherry Chocolate Bread Puddings

i assume the recipe is 4 servings.

RCI-DS.001.0121.001

Cherry Clafouti Tart

Please warn everyone that the pits are still in the cherries when you serve this! The pits give added flavor to the tart, and it also makes the dish very easy to prepare.

RCI-BR.003.0128.001

Cherry-filled Bread Ring

Cherry-filled Bread Ring from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0129.001

Cherry Nut Bread

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Marlin Estate in Caddo Mills, Texas in 1995.

RCI-DS.003.0054.001

Cherry Nut Easter Eggs

Cherry Nut Easter Eggs

RCI-DS.001.0124.001

Cherry Rice Cream

Makes 10 servings.

RCI-MT.004.0124.001

Chestnut Stuffing

This is a recipe I obtained from an Estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Tinsley Estate in Venus, Texas in 1987.

RCI-MT.004.0134.001

Chicken à la King

Here's a thrifty way to use up leftover cooked chicken or a bit of the holiday turkey by making Chicken à la King. Serve this over buttered toast points, rice, biscuits or baked puff pastry.

RCI-EG.003.0034.001

Chicken-Almond Casserole

Makes 6 servings

RCI-RC.004.0064.001

Chicken and Rice Casserole I

Makes 6 servings

RCI-MT.004.0146.001

Chicken and Spinach

Chicken and Spinach from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.003.0035.001

Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole

This is a wonderful dish for a busy "on the go" family. It's tasty, filling, and it only takes a couple of minutes to throw together. Pop it into the oven, freeing your time to do other things while you wait for dinner to cook.

RCI-ND.006.0016.001

Chicken Casserole

Chicken Casserole from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0054.001

Chicken Corn Chowder

Tomato Juice, Canned by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 8

RCI-MT.004.0176.001

Chicken Francesca

Chicken Francesca from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0083.001

Chicken Fricassee

Chicken Fricassee Chicken fricassee old fashioned comfort food.

RCI-MT.001.0075.002

Chicken-fried Steak

Chicken-fried Steak is a hearty food dish in the southern USA. The dish is commonly served with mashed potatoes smothered in chicken fried steak gravy.

RCI-MT.001.0075.001

Chicken-fried Steak

Chicken-fried Steak is a hearty food dish in the southern USA. The dish is commonly served with mashed potatoes smothered in chicken fried steak gravy.

RCI-MT.001.0076.001

Chicken Fried Steak Guinea

Chicken Fried Steak Guinea from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.001.0077.001

Chicken Fried Steak I

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-MT.004.0191.001

Chicken Kabobs with Yogurt Dipping Sauce and Lemon

Chicken Kabobs with Yogurt Dipping Sauce and Lemon from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0049.001

Chicken Paprikash (Paprikas Csirke) with Added HOT Spaetzle Action

Submitted by squirrellypoo Uploaded by Schpyder I'd love to say that this is an old family recipe, since I come from sturdy Germano-Hungarian stock, but the Paprikash my mother used to make was never very good.

RCI-ND.002.0028.001

Chicken Pasta Primavera

Chicken, Canned by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 4

RCI-RC.001.0056.001

Chicken Pilaf Casserole

Chicken Pilaf Casserole from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0068.001

Chicken Pot Pie II

Chicken Pot Pie II from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SW.004.0012.001

Chicken Sonora

This recipe came from The Printey Estate sale. It was obtained it as part of the Family Collection from The Printey Estate in Forney, Texas in 2001.

RCI-MT.004.0233.001

Chicken Tikka

Chicken Tikka is an Indian/Pakistani dish made by baking chicken which has been marinated in spices and yoghurt. It should not be confused with Chicken Tikka Masala.

RCI-MT.004.0239.001

Chicken with mushroom sauce

Chicken with mushroom sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0037.001

Chiffonade Rice Salad

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-BR.004.0125.001

Chilean Cakes with Nuts

This is an authentic Chilean recipe, makes great gifts ! Everyone who goes to Chile won't forget this.

RCI-VG.005.0038.001

Chilean Pastel de Choclo

300px| Chilean Pastel de Choclo There are many interpretations of this Mexican shrimp and corn casserole. In this one, Shrimp cooks with evaporated milk until it is slightly thick, then whirls in the food processor until smooth.

RCI-SP.006.0011.001

Chilled Avocado Soup

Source: The Great Hot Sauce Book by Jennifer Trainer Thompson * Yields: 8 servings

RCI-SN.002.0087.001

Chin Chin

Nigerian cookies

RCI-DS.001.0127.001

Chinese Banana Pudding

This is a recipe that's been handed down from my Grandmother. My whole family loves it and we all grew up on it! " Original recipe yield: 1 9x13-inch dish.

RCI-BR.006.0070.001

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Praline Pie

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Praline Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0071.001

Chocolate and Vanilla Swirl Tart

8 to 10 servings.

RCI-DS.002.0039.001

Chocolate buttermilk ice cream

Chocolate buttermilk ice cream from the Recidemia collection