How to Use Powdered Milk

With milk prices going up and up, consumers are looking for ways to cut down their grocery bills. One way of saving money is to use powdered milk. Many people don't like the taste of powdered milk, but you don't have to drink it straight out the glass. When you use powdered milk in cooking and baking, you can't taste the difference at all. Just buy regular milk for drinking, but use powdered milk for all the rest.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Non-instant or instant powdered milk

1. Make a white sauce with powdered milk. White sauces are great for cream soups, casseroles, vegetables and meat. Bring 1/2 cup of water to boil in a saucepan. Meanwhile, in a blender, combine 1/2 cup of water, 2 Tbsp. flour, 3 Tbsp. non-instant powdered milk, 1/4 tsp. of salt and 1/8 tsp. pepper. Pour the blender mixture into the boiling water and stir until thickened. Add 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine to the sauce and stir until incorporated.

2. Use in baked goods. When pancakes or muffins call for milk, substitute powdered milk. Add the powder to the dry ingredients and then add water with the wet ingredients. You'll never taste the difference.

3. Make your own cocoa mix. Combine 13 cups instant powdered milk, 3 cups sugar, 1 cup cocoa, and 1 1/2 tsp. salt. Sift or stir the mixture together. This is enough to make 40 1-cup servings of hot cocoa. To use the mix, stir 2 to 3 Tbsp. of the mix into 1 cup hot water.

4. Use in smoothies. Along with your usual smoothie ingredients (frozen fruit, ice cream, fresh fruit or fruit juice), add 3/4 cup of non-instant milk powder and you've just gotten some inexpensive calcium in your diet.

Tips & Warnings

• Instant powdered milk is easier to mix than non-instant, but it costs more.
• Store powdered milk in a cool place to preserve its shelf life.
• Exposure to moisture in storage will make the powdered milk cake and might affect its flavor. Store in a dry location.