Evaporated milk is a shelf-stable canned dairy product made from condensed unsweetened cow’s milk. By boiling off about 60 percent of the water of regular fresh milk, the result is a creamier and slightly sweeter product.
Because it has a longer shelf life than regular fresh milk and does not require refrigeration, it’s an advantage to many cooks and bakers. It can be used as a substitute for regular cream in equal amounts, or to add creaminess to a soup or sauce, making it a purer choice than creamers or tinned condensed milk.
Evaporated milk can also be used to make rich and delicious additions such as creamy homemade fudge, soft caramels, meringue pie fillings, and more. It’s also great for making custards, puddings, and ice cream.
Additionally, it can be diluted and enjoyed as a hot or cold beverage similar to the way one would enjoy fresh milk.
Why use evaporated milk instead of regular milk?
Evaporated milk is a great alternative to regular milk because it has a much longer shelf life, which means it doesn’t need to be refrigerated or used as soon as it is purchased. Evaporated milk is made by removing the water content of regular milk, but doesn’t significantly change the flavor of the milk or the amount of fat.
Evaporated milk is often used in recipes as a thickening agent or a way to add rich flavor and body to dishes that would be too thin or mild with just regular milk. Additionally, evaporated milk has a more intense flavor than regular milk, which makes it well suited for rich dishes such as sauces, creamed soups, and puddings.
The added richness from evaporated milk can also be used to create sweeter and creamier desserts.
What do you put evaporated milk in?
Evaporated milk can be used in a variety of recipes, including creamy soups, sauces, and desserts. It is a thicker and more concentrated version of regular milk and can be used in place of cream or whole milk in many recipes.
For example, evaporated milk can be used to make a creamy, decadent macaroni and cheese dish or to create a creamy sauce for lasagna. It can also be used to make a delicious eggnog, especially around the holiday season.
In baking, it can be used to make custards, puddings and desserts, like chocolate éclairs. Evaporated milk can also be used to make Indian cuisine, such as creamy curries, kofta and puddings. It is also often used to prepare dishes such as Mexican tamales and creamed corn, as well as a variety of South American desserts.
Evaporated milk is a great way to add a creamy texture to many dishes.
Can I eat cereal with evaporated milk?
Yes, you can absolutely eat cereal with evaporated milk. It is a great way to get an extra boost of calcium in your breakfast and the sweetness of the milk compliments the crunch of the cereal. When using evaporated milk, start off with a few tablespoons and increase as needed since it has a higher fat content than regular milk.
It can also be a good substitute if you are out of regular milk or if you are looking to mix up your breakfast routine. Be sure to check the nutrition label to make sure the cereal you are using is a healthy choice for breakfast.
What can I use as a substitute for milk?
Common choices include unsweetened non-dairy milks like almond milk, soy milk, cashew milk, oat milk, coconut milk, and rice milk. Alternatively, you can opt for juices like apple juice or other fruit juice, vegetable-based alternatives such as vegetable broth or broth-based soups, plain yogurt, or even non-dairy versions of creamer and/or butter.
If you find yourself in a pinch, you can create a mixture of half oil (like olive or coconut) and half water. Lastly, some people like to get creative and use things like banana, avocados, and tofu for more unique alternatives to milk.
How can you tell if evaporated milk has gone bad?
If evaporated milk has gone bad, you will be able to tell by the smell, taste, and texture. Firstly, evaporated milk that has gone bad will emit a sour, unmistakably off smell. Upon tasting the milk, you will likely notice that it has a sour, off taste.
Lastly, the texture of the milk will be different as well – it may have thickened and congealed, or separated into clumps. All of these factors are signs of bad evaporated milk and it should be discarded.
How long can you keep leftover evaporated milk?
You can store leftover evaporated milk in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to store it in an air-tight container and consume it as soon as possible. If you don’t plan on using it within 5 days, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
When storing in the freezer, be sure to leave some room for expansion. To thaw, transfer the slot to the refrigerator the night before you plan to use it. Once thawed, the evaporated milk should be used within 24 hours.
How long does canned milk last after opening?
Once canned milk has been opened, it should be used within 5-7 days. Refrigeration is recommended to help extend shelf life. Be sure to check the label for the product’s expiration date and to observe any storage instructions that the manufacturer may provide.
If the canned milk has an off-odor, is discolored, or has developed any clumps, it should not be consumed and should be discarded.
Does evaporated milk go bad in the fridge?
Yes, evaporated milk can go bad in the fridge. It should be consumed within 5-7 days when stored in the refrigerator, and may go bad before that point if it has been open for too long. The shelf life of evaporated milk depends on how tightly it has been sealed, whether it was opened, the type of container it’s stored in, and how it was stored.
It is also important to note that evaporated milk may not show signs of spoilage, but it could contain bacteria that could make you sick. To be safe, it should be consumed within the recommended timespan.
Can I freeze evaporated milk after opening?
Yes, you can freeze evaporated milk after opening. It is best to freeze it as soon as possible after opening to preserve the flavor and texture. Before freezing, you should ideally transfer the evaporated milk to a freezer-safe container, such as a freezer-safe, resealable plastic bag.
To prevent it from becoming lumpy, you should also make sure you break up any lumps of milk before freezing. When transferring the milk to a new container, you should also ensure you leave some headroom to allow for expansion in the freezer.
When thawing the evaporated milk, place it in the refrigerator overnight, or use a thawing technique that does not expose the milk to high temperatures or prolonged exposure to air. Once thawed, you should use the milk within about five days.
Does milk last longer in glass or plastic?
In general, milk lasts longer when stored in glass containers as opposed to plastic. Glass is able to maintain a cool, dry temperature better than plastic, which prevents the growth of bacteria that can cause the milk to spoil.
Additionally, glass bottles don’t contain any chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA), which plastic containers typically do. BPA has been linked to a variety of health issues, and can leach into the milk if stored in plastic.
Glass doesn’t leach any chemicals into the milk, and doesn’t absorb any odors, which can contaminate the milk and cause it to spoil more quickly. Furthermore, glass containers are much easier to clean than plastic, which prevents any bacteria or mold from growing.
All in all, glass containers are the best choice for storing and preserving milk for longer.