As a kid, I remember days when we didn't have milk in the fridge. My mom would stretch every penny until payday. Saving grace, she would have powdered milk on standby for those rainy-day moments. The mouth feel took a bit of adjusting — since the taste is uniquely different from liquid milk. It's best to say that powdered milk was a stand-in substitute when we were in a pinch. Today, I'm confident that most food lovers aren't familiar with the flexibility dairy powders can provide.
As a home chef or a new baker scratching your head, you might think, "Like what?"
Well, chefs and bakers, you are about to be amazed!
Dairy powders offer more creative options for cooking and baking than liquid milk, not to bash liquid milk. Remember that savory buttermilk fried chicken recipe? Or how about ranch dressing from scratch, like your grandma would make? And how does your neighbor make her soups so creamy and thick? The possibilities are endless with the magic of dairy powders.
Do you want to make tasty yogurts or homemade ice creams? Dairy powder helps make your base creamier and thicker, but just remember to add it to your base BEFORE you produce it. Adding dairy powder much later — while it's in the process — will disappoint you. What will happen? Well, the liquid will be absorbed into the powder leaving the consistency grainy and not fully incorporated. Worse yet, your ice cream won't freeze since it prevents the ice crystals from forming. To avoid this honest mistake, mix it with the rest of the ingredients to fully incorporate it. Use dairy powder to make great milkshakes. The only dairy powder that is acceptable for later use is malt. And who doesn't like a malted milkshake? Yummmmmmmmmy!
For bakers or pastry chefs, dairy powders add flavor, rise, and browning to that lovely dough or batter, milk bread, cookies, and much more. Chef Christina Tosi from Milk Bar highly suggests dairy powders in her baked goods. It does everything liquid milk can do without worrying about too much moisture. Add it to puddings, hot cocoa, and more.
For home chefs, dairy powders can enrich gravies and thicken salad dressings. Consider adding it to your dredge as you deep fry or make sauces. Want a healthier approach? Add it to your morning smoothies!
Regarding shelf life, dry milk lasts longer than liquid milk. Do you have an upcoming camping trip? Or are you going to be at an event without refrigeration for hours? Dry milk is always great to have! So, check out our dairy powders https://pressandmortar.com/collections/dairy-powder in our baking section. They are sure to please your palate.