How to store and use POWDERED MILK

Storage: All milk products should be stored in a cool, dry place. If stored in an area with temperature changes, such as in a garage, the milk will have a shorter shelf life. Powdered milk can be sealed in #10 cans with an oxy pack or in a food grade buckets.

 Powdered milk from the cannery has a shelf life of 30 years. However, after several years, it can start to develop a different taste. Some people may notice this taste, while others may not. If your milk has developed a different taste, you can use it for baking & you won’t notice the taste. If your powdered milk has spoiled or been stored longer than recommended, you can use it as a garden fertilizer.

Canned milk has a 6 - 15 month shelf life. The higher the fat content, the shorter the shelf life as the cream in it separates. [I used to store canned milk but every time I needed it, it was expired. You can use powdered milk to make evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk. I no longer store canned milk but rather mix my own when I need it. I have included recipes for both below.]

How to Use: Powdered milk can be reconstituted and used for drinking or in place of milk in recipes. When baking, there is no need to reconstitute the milk first. Simply add the water when you would normally add the milk and add the powdered milk with the other dry ingredients.

Evaporated milk can be substituted in any recipe calling for milk.  It will give it a smoother creamier taste.

Getting your family to like powdered milk: When trying powdered milk for the first time, try mixing ¼ reconstituted milk and ¾ cow’s milk (or whatever milk your family normally drinks). Once your family is used to that, try ½ reconstituted milk and ½ regular milk. Then try ¾ cup reconstituted milk and ¼ cup regular milk. Finally, your family will be ready for 100% reconstituted powdered milk.

Another idea is to try powdered milk with cold cereal. Many people who do not like the taste of powdered milk when drinking it by itself can tolerate it when eating it with cold cereal.

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BAKING POWDER BISCUITS

2 cups flour                            ¼ cup powdered milk

1 tsp salt                                  1/3 cup shortening

1 Tbsp baking powder           1 cup water

Mix the flour, salt, baking powder & dry milk. Add the shortening in small spoonfuls; cut in with a fork or pastry blender. Add the water all at once and stir to moisten all the flour and shortening. Place the dough onto a floured surface & knead 10 times. Pat or roll until the dough is about 1/2” thick. Cut with 2” biscuit cutter. Place very close together on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 450 for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned.

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SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK

1/2 cup hot water

1 cup powdered milk

1 cup sugar

1 Tbsp butter

Blend all ingredients in a blender. Can be stored in refrigerator or frozen.

TIP: To easily clean your blender, immediately, fill your blender with hot soapy water & blend until clean.

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EVAPORATED MILK

1 ½ cups water

½ cup + 1 Tbsp powdered milk

Mix well before adding to any recipe.

Yield: 1 ½ cup or 12 oz can

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ORANGE JULIUS

2 cups orange juice                 2 Tbsp sugar

½ cup powdered milk            ½ tsp vanilla

½ cup crushed ice

Put all ingredients in blender and blend until ice is totally crushed and drink is smooth.