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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-DS.001.0177.001

Cream Pudding

Cream Pudding

RCI-DS.001.0178.001

Creamy Apricot Rice Mold

Makes 8 servings

RCI-SP.002.0078.001

Creamy Carrot Soup I

Serves: 6 Occasion: Any Effort: Easy

RCI-SP.004.0116.001

Creamy Chicken with Cornmeal Dumplings

Contributed by PressureCookerRecipes Y-Group

RCI-BV.007.0050.001

Creamy Delight Smoothie

Creamy Delight Smoothie from the Recidemia collection

Crème Anglaise
RCI-DS.001.0183.001

Crème Anglaise

frequently referred to by the generic term in English, is the most common and versatile dessert sauce, being used as an accompaniment, or as a base for additional treatment, in numerous desserts in the cuisines of countries throughout the world.

RCI-DS.001.0186.001

Creme Caramela

Sudanese Caramel Custard which Yields 1-quart mold.

RCI-BR.004.0188.001

Crème de Cacao Torte

Makes 1 torte, about 2 cups of filling and about 1 cup of glaze.

RCI-BR.004.0189.001

Crème de Riz Torte

Makes 8 servings

RCI-BR.008.0056.001

Crempog Las

Welsh Omelette

RCI-SN.002.0109.001

Creole Beignets

Creole Beignets A beignet is a deep-fried pastry that has been rolled in sugar. The name "beignet" comes from the French word for "fritter". Beignets are popular in New Orleans, where they are also referred to as donuts.

RCI-SF.001.0104.001

Creole Catfish Cakes

A Catfish recipe.

RCI-SF.001.0106.001

Creole Mustard-battered Catfish

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source : Zatarain

RCI-SP.003.0218.001

Creole Oyster Stew

Creole Oyster stew is milk-based. The milk is heated separately and added after the other ingredients have been taken off the flame. The oysters will curl slightly at their edges, but must not be over-cooked.

RCI-VG.004.0359.001

Creole Tomatoes

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Stewart Estate in Quinlan, Texas in 1994.

RCI-BR.008.0058.001

Crêpes stuffed with Grand Marnier Rice Pudding

Makes 6 servings

RCI-SN.002.0116.001

Crispy Corn Dogs

Crispy Corn Dogs from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.002.0119.001

Croatian Bow Knots

6 servings CROATIAN BOW KNOTS

RCI-MT.005.0065.001

Crockpot Meatloaf

Crockpot Meatloaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0121.001

Crockpot Pork Chop Potato Dinner

Tender chops cook on a bed of creamy potatoes in this all-in-one meal. It's a snap to assemble.

RCI-SN.001.0146.001

Crockpot Queso Blanco

This queso dip freezes well. Spoon into serving-size freezer containers, and freeze up to one month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Reheat in microwave on medium.

RCI-EG.002.0017.001

Croissant French Toast

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 2 Servings

RCI-SN.002.0120.001

Croquetas de Jamon

Ham croquettes Makes 45 to 50 croquettes

RCI-MT.004.0335.001

Crunchy Garlic Chicken

Oven-baked chicken breasts boast a delicious crunchy coating with herbs and garlic.

RCI-EG.003.0048.001

Crunchy Topped Potato Soufflé

This recipe came from the Hartman Estate Sale. It was obtained it as part of the purchase of the Family Collection from the Hartman Estate in Arlington, Texas in 1984.

RCI-SP.002.0085.001

Curried Kumara Soup

Serve hot to 4 to 6 as a "slightly sweet and very mouth watering" first course soup.

RCI-BR.006.0097.001

Curry Chicken Pot Pie

This recipe was on Alton Brown's TV show, Good Eats. It was featured on the episode "Casserole Over". Serves 6 to 8.

RCI-DS.001.0193.001

Custard Bread Pudding

Custard Bread Pudding from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0194.001

Custard Pie

This eggy, sweet pie is easy to make—it forms its own crust as it cooks! Delicious for dessert or a sweet breakfast.

RCI-DS.001.0196.001

Custard Tarts

Custard Tarts from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0162.002

Damper

is Australian bushman's bread, made while camping or "waltzing matilda" (carrying a swag around looking for work). It is meant to be made outside by a campfire.

RCI-BR.003.0164.001

Damper II

frame

RCI-EG.002.0018.001

Danish Egg Cake

.

RCI-BR.007.0046.001

Danish Rice Pudding

Makes 8 to 10 servings.

RCI-DS.002.0062.001

Dark Vodka Fall

Dark Vodka Fall from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0239.001

Date-Nut Cookies

Date-Nut Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0168.001

Date Nut Muffins

Purchased from the Van Sickle Estate in Mabank, Texas in 1990. Dated 1949.

RCI-DS.001.0200.001

Date Nut Rice Pudding

Makes 8 servings.

RCI-BR.005.0240.001

Date Oatmeal Cookies

This recipe came from the Hartman Estate Sale. It was obtained it as part of the purchase of the Family Collection from the Hartman Estate in Arlington, Texas in 1984.

RCI-BR.003.0169.001

Date Rolls

Date Rolls from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.002.0126.001

Deep Fried Mars Bar

This recipe for the deep fried Mars bar illustrates a typical procedure. The ingredients in the dish's variations may vary indefinitely, but the procedure will remain more or less the same.

RCI-SN.002.0125.001

Deep Fried Mars Bar

This recipe for the deep fried Mars bar illustrates a typical procedure. The ingredients in the dish's variations may vary indefinitely, but the procedure will remain more or less the same.

RCI-SN.002.0128.001

Deep-fried Rattlesnake

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.006.0103.001

Delicious Sweet Potato Pie

A yummy way to get vitamin A!

RCI-DS.001.0203.001

Delightful Bread Pudding

Purchased from Taylor Estate in Mineral Wells Texas in 1984.

RCI-EG.003.0051.001

Delmonico Rice

Makes 6 servings

RCI-SP.002.0087.001

Delta Bisque

A Catfish recipe.

RCI-DS.001.0205.001

Diabetic Corn Pudding

.

RCI-DS.002.0064.001

Diabetic-friendly Homemade Ice Cream

Diabetic-friendly Homemade Ice Cream from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0209.001

Dirt Pudding

Dirt Pudding is a dessert creation consisting primarily of pudding (vanilla or chocolate) and Oreo cookies, with some recipes including gummy worms.