How Is Buttermilk Used in the Kitchen?

There are times when you feel like going to the kitchen and just making something from scratch. It's one of the more primal instincts that we can't just shake off.

However, not all of us have a fully decked-out pantry that we can just whip something up out of the blue.

But that should not stop us from getting all creative.

Take buttermilk, for example. Buttermilk is used in various recipes, but it's not rare for us to realize that we don't have any in stock at home.

So should you run to the nearest store to buy one?

Why do that when you can make it yourself?

This article will discuss how you can make buttermilk when you don't have any at home.

What is Buttermilk?

Buttermilk is a type of dairy that bacteria have fermented. It's typically made by adding some starter buttermilk culture to regular milk and allowing it to sit for a few days. Most recipes use buttermilk as part of their liquid ingredient in baking or cooking, such as in pancakes or biscuits.

How Is Buttermilk Used in the Kitchen?

Buttermilk can be used in many different ways. It can be used as an ingredient in baking and cooking or consumed straight out of the container. It's also used as a substitute for sour cream when making dips or sauces, such as guacamole or ranch dressing.

How Can You Make Buttermilk At Home?

If you don't have any buttermilk at home, you can make your own using this recipe:

• 1-gallon whole milk (about 3 pints)
• One packet of active buttermilk starter culture (like Buturkey)

Place the milk into a large saucepan, add the starter culture, and let it stand at room temperature for 24 hours. This will allow the bacteria to turn the milk into buttermilk!

After 24 hours, strain through cheesecloth, and you're ready to use your homemade buttermilk!

If you don’t have time to look for buttermilk starter culture and need to make one right away, there’s a much easier recipe.

• 1 cup whole milk
• One tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar

In a small bowl, combine the milk and lemon juice or vinegar. Let stand until thickened (about 10 minutes). The acid in the lemon juice or vinegar will break down the protein in the milk, creating a thick, creamy consistency that is perfect for baking or cooking! This method is suitable for recipes that call for 1 cup of buttermilk.

Homemade Buttermilk For Your DIY Baking Kits

Want to bake at home but don't want to go through the hassle of buying all the ingredients needed for the recipe? Why don't you check out The Innocent Baker's DIY Baking kits? 

Create donuts, cupcakes, or Snickerdoodles at home with your family. All DIY baking kits from The Innocent Baker contain all the "hard-to-find" ingredients, and most of the missing ingredients can be found at home. 

Get yours today!