The Benefits Of Learning How To Make Buttermilk

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By Gerald Hipps


Buttermilk is an important kitchen staple as it is used in many different recipes and, in some cultures, is a standard beverage. It is relatively easy to make, and one can save a lot of money by making it at home rather than purchasing it. By learning how to make buttermilk and how to use it, you can save money during grocery shopping and enjoy all the delicious recipes in which it is used.

The process of actually making it is quite simple and calls for only two ingredients. For every cup of whole milk you pour into a bowl, add a tablespoon of cream of tartar. If this is too difficult to find at the store--which it may be--it can be swapped out for lemon juice. Stir the mixture thoroughly and let it rest at the temperature of the room for approximately fifteen minutes. Then, it is ready to serve--it is that simple.

It is safe to leave the substance out at room temperature for some time, but be aware that it will begin to curdle. This chemical reaction, in this case, does not mean your mixture is ruined. Giving it another good stir will break up any solids and make it fit for consumption again. When finished using it, merely put it in the fridge--you will learn that it will not go bad for multiple weeks, a much longer shelf-life than that of milk.

Traditional and commercial buttermilk are two different substances and are not interchangeable in cooking. The traditional variety is the thin liquid left over after churning butter and is more popular in Asia than in Western societies. It is added to a number of Eastern dishes to give them a bit more flavor and richness, and is commonly used as the base in soups and creamier sauces.

Most often found in Western kitchens, though, is the commercialized version. This is what our beloved buttermilk pancakes call for in their recipe, as well as many other sweet foods. Pound cake, breads, pies, waffles, and many other sweet treats are made even more delicious when it is added to the recipe. In addition, buttermilk dressing is becoming increasingly popular in Western society for salads.

By learning how to make buttermilk, a person can achieve a number of benefits. Those who do so will get to enjoy a dairy product that has a shelf-life of several weeks. In addition, it is easy to make and will save a buyer money, as the pre-made versions can get expensive. With buttermilk, plenty of sweet foods can be given a delicious tangy kick--everyone loves a stack of pancakes with this product in the mix!




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