What is it?

In the U.S. that milk is synonymous with cow’s milk, though in other parts of the world goat, buffalo, or sheep’s milk is more common. Milk comes whole, lowfat, and nonfat or skim.

Unless otherwise specified, most recipes call for whole milk (which has 3-1/2 % fat), though 2% can often work just as well. Milk in the United States is commonly homogenized and fortified with vitamin D; it’s also high in protein and low in fat, which means it will curdle if you try to boil it in a sauce. Though milk is often added to egg dishes and used in some baking, other milk products—including buttermilk, evaporated milk, and condensed milk—often play a greater role in the kitchen than milk itself.

Don’t have it?

For 1 cup milk, substitute 1/2 cup evaporated milk with 1/2 cup water or mix 1 cup water with 3 Tbs. powdered milk.

How to choose:

If a recipe doesn’t call for a specific kind, whole milk is the best bet; it’s the least likely to curdle.

Cross Reference

buttermilk; evaporated milk; condensed milk

Recipes

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  Maple Cream Pie

  Maple syrup should be rebranded as a cheery symbol for aging; when it’s new and light, the sap has little complexity. It only becomes sweet and luscious, bold and wise,…

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  Recipe

  French Vanilla Ice Cream

  This luscious ice cream has a base enriched with egg yolks and flavored with a vanilla bean. Dry and reserve the bean after you make the custard, then pop it…

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  Overnight French Toast Muffins

  A true crowd pleaser, this dish offers the best of two breakfast favorites: the classic flavor of French toast packaged in the easy grab-and-go shape of muffins. Since the preparation…

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  Honey-Ginger Ice Cream

  An infusion of fresh ginger makes this rich ice cream feel deceptively light and refreshing.

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  Truffled Lobster Macaroni and Cheese

  Thoughtfully selected cheeses mingle to create a delicate, silky sauce that allows the lobster to shine. With a touch of truffle oil, this dish is a huge hit at Steve…

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  Recipe

  Bananas Foster Cream Pie

  The New Orleans dessert of bananas Foster inspired this riff on a classic banana cream pie. It features a layer of rum-spiked sautéed bananas under the traditional pudding filling, plus a…

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  Chocolate Espresso Cream Pie

  A layer of rich chocolate ganache under mocha pudding might seem like overkill, but is heaven sent for chocolate lovers. A little espresso powder gives the whipped-cream topping some edge.

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  Double Coconut Cream Pie

  This is truly next-level coconut cream pie. Instead of coconut extract, it gets its flavor from reduced, concentrated coconut milk in the custard. It's paired with a layer of salted caramel…

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  Strawberry-Rhubarb Blitz Torte

  Possibly called “blitz” because the stunning cake can be baked, cooled, and assembled quickly compared to traditional layer cakes, this dessert is a showstopper. Tender, golden cake layers are topped…

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  Old-School Coconut Cream Pie

  Shreds of coconut give the creamy filling some texture. For a twist, substitute 1-1/3 cups coconut milk and 1 cup whole milk, and omit the coconut extract.