Self-Reliance Tip of the Week - Miracles of Powered Moo Juice

Oreo's Favorite Drink

Our culture uses a lot of dairy. From soups and sauces, to milk on our cereal or whipped topping on strawberry crepes. Oh YYyyyyeaaaahh!

Then there's powdered milk (peanut gallery says "Boooo") ! Oh come on guys!  You just haven't given it a chance. Did you know there are tons of stuff you can do with powdered milk? No, it won't be the same as the original, but it will get pretty stinkin' close. 

Here are a few recipes to consider: 

Sweetened Condensed Milk

1/2 C. water 

1 C sugar

2 to 3 T shortening or butter

1 C instant dry milk powder

Dash salt

Bring water to boil. Add sugar and butter. Bring back to boil. Wisk in powered milk.Get all the lumps out and you're done! Ta-Dah!

Quick Whipped Topping

1/2 C water (put in the freezer and chill until little ice crystals form on the top)

1/2 C instant dry milk powder

2 T powdered sugar

1 tsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp vanilla

Combine water and powdered milk. Whip for about 5 minutes. Add sugar, lemon juice and vanilla. Whip for one more minute.

Sour Milk ( for sour milk or butter milk in recipes)

1 T vinegar

1 C reconstituted powdered milk

Mix together and in a minute it will curdle. 

Feta/ Ricotta Cheese

3 C powdered milk

6 C water

1 C vinegar

1 tsp salt

(basil can also be added - optional)

Combine milk and water. Stir until dissolved. Slowly heat milk to 120 degrees. Remove from heat and add vinegar. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes. Strain curds out with cheese cloth. Rinse with 2 C clean water and add salt. Use in lasagna and other Italian dishes.

Cream Cheese

Use feta recipe - and let it sit on your counter covered lightly with a towel for three days. Blend in a blender and tadah! You've got cream cheese. 

See, powdered milk has a special place in our cupboards. The best thing? When they are stored properly, powdered milk can still be in the same cupboard for 30+ years and do the same thing. Too bad the same could not be said about the fresh gallon in fridges across America. :) If you're interested, I could make a "how to" video on how to make mozzarella cheese with powdered milk. It turns a slight brown color, but when you melt it, it is white and beautiful. Not bad.