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There are lots of reasons to include dairy products like cheese, yogurt, milk, and cream in our diets. Not only are they packed with calcium, protein, and vitamins, but they also enable us to add flavour and texture to our food.
Let’s take a look at three of the most traditional popular dairy recipes, and consider how we can tweak them with a few simple twists and variations.
Macaroni and cheese
One of the most classic dairy recipes is macaroni and cheese, a comforting and cheesy dish that is both easy and affordable to make. To make macaroni and cheese, all you’ll need is some macaroni pasta, butter, flour, milk, and cheese. Cook the macaroni, and make a cheese sauce with the butter, flour, milk, and cheese. Stir the sauce into the pasta, and transfer to a deep baking dish. Grill for 8-10 minutes, or oven bake for 10-15 minutes. Many cooks also like to add a breadcrumb topping for extra crunch and flavour.
To put a contemporary twist on classic mac and cheese, experiment with different types of cheese; from Cheddar and mozzarella, to Gouda and Gruyere. For a touch of indulgence, pour in a little double cream. You could also try adding some spices like nutmeg, mustard, or cayenne pepper. Plus, don’t miss my upcoming recipe for pigs in blankets mac and cheese – it’s bound to go down well with the whole family this Christmas!
Yoghurt parfait
If you’re looking for a traditional dairy dessert that’s a little lighter on calories, you can’t go wrong with a refreshing yoghurt parfait.
Simply layer yogurt, granola, and fresh fruits in a glass or a bowl, drizzling some honey, maple syrup, or jam over the top for added sweetness if you like..
To reimagine this dish, try using different types of yogurt like Greek, skyr, or kefir, or making your own yogurt at home. You can also use different types of granola, such as oat, quinoa, or nut; or make your own using your favourite ingredients. Try adding different types of fruits, too; berries, bananas, and mangoes work well. To finish, sprinkle some chopped nuts, seeds or chocolate chips over the top for added texture and flavour.
Whipped cream
A light and fluffy topping that can enhance any dessert or drink, whipped cream is very straight-forward to make. All you need to do is whip some heavy cream with sugar and vanilla extract, until stiff peaks form. To make things a little easier for yourself, try using an electric mixer, a whisk, or a blender to whip the cream.
To switch things up, use different types of cream. For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut, almond, or soy-based cream. To alter the flavour, add ingredients like lemon, mint, or coffee. You can also use different types of sweeteners like honey, agave, or stevia, and add colours like pink, blue, or green.
Store your whipped cream in an air-tight container for 5-7 days in the fridge, using it as topping for your milkshakes, pies, ice cream sundaes, cakes, and desserts. Try adding a little gelatin if you’re keen to preserve the peaks.
These are just a handful of some of my favourite dairy recipes and variations, but as dairy products are so versatile, their uses are almost endless. If you can brush up on your cooking vocabulary and educate yourself on different cooking methods and techniques, you’ll have a much better understanding of how to cook with the likes of butter, cheese, milk and yoghurt.
What are your favourite dairy recipes? Let me know in the comments.
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