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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.004.0317.001

Cinnamon Squash Rings

Cinnamon Squash Rings from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0066.001

Clam Fritters I

Makes 4 servings

RCI-EG.004.0018.001

Classic Cooked Eggnog

Yield - makes ½ quarts or 12 (½ cup) servings.

RCI-BR.001.0061.001

Cocoa Bread

300px| Cocoa Bread Makes 1 loaf

RCI-BR.005.0196.001

Cocoa Cookies

Cocoa Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0138.001

Coco Loco Banana Daiquiri Bread

A moist, luscious banana bread with a touch of coconutty Malibu rum and a sprinkling of shredded coconut within! The original recipe is from the Sugar In The Raw website, but I changed it to add the Malibu rum, shredded coconut and allspice.

RCI-BR.003.0140.001

Coconut Bread

Coconut Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0159.001

Coconut-Caramel Custard

This recipe takes about 50 minutes to cook.

RCI-SN.004.0043.001

Coconut Cream Soup

Coconut Cream Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0143.001

Coconut Gulgula

Coconut Gulgula from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0063.001

Coconut Loaf

Coconut Loaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0045.001

Coconut Shrimp I

Makes 4 servings.

RCI-BR.006.0088.001

Coconuts Pie

Coconuts Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.003.0024.001

Coffee Charlotte

In Romanian: Sarlota de cafea

RCI-RC.005.0031.001

Coffee Date Rice Cream

Makes 12 servings.

RCI-DS.001.0167.001

Cointreau Rice Pudding

Makes 8 servings.

RCI-VG.002.0033.001

Colcannon

Ireland is rich in culinary delights and colcannon is one of the popular main dishes in the country.

Coleslaw
RCI-VG.001.0163.002

Coleslaw

Contributed by Dorie at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Momsmenuplan/

RCI-BR.008.0051.001

Columbian Pancakes

Columbian Pancakes

RCI-SN.002.0099.001

Conch Fritters

Conch Fritters from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0080.001

Congo Fool

Fool is old-fashioned custard and fruit dessert native to England, but popular in English-speaking Africa. In the original English Fool, gooseberries are traditionally used.

RCI-BR.003.0149.001

Corn and Rice Bread

Corn and Rice Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0337.001

Corn Beans and Bananas

corn beans and bananas

RCI-SP.002.0060.001

Corn Chowder

=Corn Chowder= This is the way your grandparents warmed up on a winter's day.

RCI-SN.002.0101.001

Corn Dogs

American cuisine | Midwestern cuisine |

RCI-MT.005.0060.001

Corned beef patties

Corned beef patties from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0089.001

Corned beef pie

Corned beef pie is a traditional British pie. It can be eaten hot or cold, making it good for picnics and also as a 'winter warmer'.

RCI-RC.005.0032.001

Cornmeal Porridge

Cornmeal Porridge from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.005.0033.001

Cornmeal Porridge II

Cornmeal Porridge II from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0053.002

Corn Pancakes

My Mom would often make Jiffy corn muffins on weekend mornings. While I was musing about this, I rea

RCI-BR.008.0053.001

Corn Pancakes

American cuisine Breakfast Cuisine Vegetarian Cuisine

RCI-BR.003.0154.001

Corn Sticks

Bread

RCI-EG.003.0043.001

Corny Soufflé

American cuisine Vegetarian Cuisine

RCI-BR.008.0055.001

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Cottage Cheese Pancakes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.002.0104.001

Counch Fritters

Counch Fritters from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0297.001

Country Cutlets with Mushrooms

Country Cutlets with Mushrooms from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0299.001

Country Fried Chicken

Country Fried Chicken from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.002.0035.001

Country Sausage Mac and Cheese

From Menu and Recipes Week 8/19/07 From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"

RCI-BR.007.0040.001

Crab Appetizer Napoleons

Crab Appetizer Napoleons from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.002.0106.001

Crab-stuffed Jalapeno Peppers

Purchased from DeYoung Estate in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1982. Dated 1937.

RCI-BR.003.0157.001

Cranberry Muffins I

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.003.0158.001

Cranberry Nut Bread

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Roark Estate in Grand Prairie, Texas in 1984.

RCI-SN.002.0107.001

Crawfish Beignets

Crawfish Beignets

RCI-SN.002.0108.001

Crawfish Puffs

Makes about 6 dozen puffs

RCI-BR.001.0069.001

Cream Cheese Bread

Bread machine recipe. This recipe is excellent for additions like nuts, raisins, etc.

RCI-DS.003.0115.001

Cream Cheese Mints II

Contributed by Paula in California via Catsrecipes Y-Gro

RCI-BR.007.0041.001

Cream Cheese Pineapple Danish

Spray rectangular baking pay with nonstick cooking spray. Spread one can of crescent rolls on the bottom pinching edges together. Mix cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until creamy then spread over crescent roll bottom.

RCI-SW.001.0019.001

Cream Cheese Sandwiches

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-SF.002.0095.001

Creamed Oysters on Rice

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SP.002.0067.001

Cream of Avocado Soup

Cream of Avocado Soup from the Recidemia collection