How to Make Buttermilk

Buttermilk is a very specific ingredient which helps enhance cakes, cookies and biscuits. Since it is somewhat rare, your local market may not carry it. Given that, here are a few tips on how to make your own buttermilk at home to elevate your next meal and even impress dinner party guests.

Instructions

1. Buy the ingredients. Buttermilk can be made from whole milk and cream of tartar or lemon juice. All of these can be found at your local convenience store or supermarket.

2. Add one tablespoon of cream of tartar for every cup of whole milk. (If using lemon juice you'll need about the same.)

3. Stir and allow to stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes.

4. Repeat stirring after 15 minutes when the milk has started to curdle significantly.

5. Serve the buttermilk.

6. Refrigerate the buttermilk. It should keep for several weeks, at least to the date originally on the whole milk container.

Tips & Warnings

• If making large quantities with lemon juice, pour the lemon juice slowly, as the larger the quantity of milk, the smaller the ratio of lemon juice is needed. For example, for 8 cups of whole milk, you will probably only need 4 tablespoons.