Need to bake with Evaporated Milk? Save some cash at the grocery store with this homemade version!
Have you ever wanted to know how evaporated milk is made? It’s actually quite simple. All you need is whole milk, a saucepan, and a timer! It’s made by evaporating a portion of water from the milk, resulting in a thick and velvety cream that adds a terrific texture to all kinds of recipes.
Evaporated milk started becoming popular in the 1920s and ’30s, when it was sold at affordable prices nationwide. Today, it’s still not the most expensive item in the grocery store, but with grocery prices hiking up all over, it can be helpful to have this recipe handy in a pinch. Plus, who doesn’t want to learn a new kitchen trick?
As someone who enjoys baking, I use evaporated milk quite often, especially during the winter holidays for rich desserts like pumpkin pie or fudge. Some people even like it in their smoothies or milkshakes to make them extra creamy. The beauty of this recipe is that once it’s made, you can store it in a closed jar in the fridge for up to a week. So, if you’ve got a lot of cravings for creaminess and some baking time coming up, this is a great ingredient to make first and keep handy.
Is Evaporated Milk Healthy?
Since the only ingredient in this recipe is milk, with no added sugars or preservatives, this recipe is not unhealthy. Also, whole milk contains a healthy dose of calcium and is usually fortified with vitamin D. For someone who’s lactose-intolerant or vegan, cow’s milk can be replaced with a dairy-free variety of milk.
The History Of Evaporated Milk
In the 19th century, evaporated milk was first developed to support European soldiers, who needed food that could be preserved for long periods of time. Initially, it was made with boiled milk and sugar. This concoction is what we know today as sweetened condensed milk. Evaporated milk (which can be considered unsweetened condensed milk) became a popular household item once it was heavily marketed to the American public as “cost-effective, healthy, and safe,” according to Duke University Libraries. Some publications even suggested that it could be fed to infants, which we now know is not true. This is why it’s important to be a conscious consumer, and do our own research when shopping.
How to make ahead and store
Evaporated milk will last in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before putting it away. You can also transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, and stir or shake before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Add 1/4 cup of evaporated milk to any smoothie, from Chocolate Peanut Butter and Banana to Blueberry Spinach or Raspberry. You could also try it in a Chocolate Milkshake.
You can also add it to Protein Oatmeal or Carrot Cake Oatmeal. Whether you’re adding it to breakfast or dessert, evaporated milk is a useful and versatile ingredient that will make your meal even more enjoyable to eat.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups whole milk
Instructions
- Pour the whole milk into a heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
- Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it gently simmer for about 35 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Do not let it come to a boil.
- After the milk has reduced by about half, remove from heat and let it cool. Strain through a sieve to remove any film and store in a covered container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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