Back to Basics- Cooking Essentials with Milk Powder

Let’s get back to the basics with a focus on cooking essentials involving milk powder.

Introduction to Milk Powder

Milk powder is a creation that traces its origins back to the 1800s, however, it wasn't until the 20^th century that milk powder gained popularity in kitchens worldwide. Its extended shelf life and versatility are the reasons for its use. By evaporating milk until it becomes dry, all the essential nutrients and flavors of milk are retained in this form. It has since become an ingredient in cuisines used for preparing an array of dishes ranging from sweet treats and desserts to savory meals. With its ability to offer convenience, nutrition and enhance flavors, professionals chefs as home cooks have come to appreciate milk powder.

Simple Recipes Utilizing Milk Powder

1. Milk Powder Tea

Ingredients:

• Milk powder,
• sugar,
• tea leaves,
• water.

Instructions:

• Bring water to a boil; add tea leaves, let it simmer.
• Stir in milk powder and sugar according to taste.

Pairing: Enjoy with biscuits or a slice of cake.

2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• Potatoes,
• milk powder,
• butter,
• salt,
• pepper.

Instructions:

• Boil and mash potatoes, incorporate milk powder and butter into the mixture; season with salt and pepper.

Pairing: Enjoy with grilled vegetables or a green salad.

3. Fluffy Pancakes

Ingredients:

• You'll need flour,
• milk powder,
• egg,
• baking powder,
• sugar and
• water.

Instructions:

• Simply mix all the ingredients together.
• Pour the batter onto a griddle.
• Flip the pancakes when they start to bubble.

Pairing: These pancakes are perfect when served with a drizzle of honey or a delicious fruit compote.

4. Easy Homemade Condensed Milk

Ingredients:

• Gather milk powder,
• sugar,
• butter and
• water.

Instructions:

• Combine these ingredients in a pot and heat them until they thicken.
• Let it cool afterwards.

Pairing: This condensed milk can be used as an ingredient in desserts or added to your favorite cup of coffee.

5. Creamy Cheese Sauce

Ingredients:

• Prepare milk powder,
• flour,
• butter,
• cheese (of your choice) salt and
• pepper.

Instructions:

• Begin by making a roux with the flour and butter.
• Then add in the milk powder and cheese while seasoning it to taste.

Pairing: Drizzle this cheese sauce over vegetables or pasta for an extra burst of flavor.

6. Chocolate Milk Powder Pudding

Ingredients:

• Gather milk powder,
• cocoa powder,
• sugar,
• cornstarch and
• water.

Instructions:

• Mix all these ingredients together.
• Cook them until the mixture thickens up nicely.
• Chill it afterwards for a treat.

Pairing: Serve this chocolatey delight with whipped cream or fresh berries, for decadence.

7. Milk Powder Bread Rolls

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour,
• powdered milk,
• baking yeast,
• granulated sugar,
• unsalted butter.

Instructions:

• Mix the ingredients together knead the dough until smooth, let it rise until doubled in size.
• Shape the dough into rolls and bake until brown.

Serving suggestion: Enjoy these bread rolls with a bowl of soup or a hearty stew.

8. Rice Pudding

Ingredients:

• Rice,
• powdered milk,
• sugar,
• cinnamon,
• water.

Instructions:

• Cook the rice with water then add milk, sugar and let it simmer.

Serving suggestion: Enjoy it warm or cold and you can top it off with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

9. Yogurt

Ingredients:

• milk powder,
• water,
• yogurt culture.

Instructions:

• Mix water and powdered milk then add the yogurt culture.
• Let it set until firm.

Serving suggestion: Serve it with meals or use it as a base for delicious smoothies.

10. Cream of Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

• Tomato puree,
• powdered milk,
• butter,
• herbs,
• salt,
• pepper.

Instructions:

• Cook the tomato puree with herbs first.
• Then add milk and butter to enhance the taste.
• Season with salt and pepper.

Serving suggestion: Enjoy this soup alongside some bread or crispy croutons.

In conclusion

Milk powder is incredibly versatile in the kitchen—it effortlessly blends into recipes from cuisines around the world. It exemplifies creativity by preserving the value of milk while making it accessible everywhere. These recipes are only scratching the surface of what you can do with milk powder in your culinary adventures. Whether, you're whipping up a beverage or preparing a meal, milk powder showcases that simplicity truly is at the core of sophistication. Whether, you're new to cooking or an experienced chef, having milk powder in your pantry is a way to easily enhance the flavor, nutrition and coziness of your meals. As we dive into the world of experimentation, let’s not overlook the humble origins and incredible versatility of milk powder. It truly serves as a foundational ingredient in the realm of cooking.