7 Ways With Evaporated Milk

Updated August 23, 2010
Credit: Randy Mayor; Katie Stoddard

Made with whole or reduced fat milks, canned evaporated milk adds creaminess and caramel-like flavor notes to savory sauces, desserts, and soups.

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Enrich Your Dish

Credit: Lee Harrelson; Styling: Ana Kelly, Mindi Shapiro Levine

With more than half the water removed, the texture of evaporated milk is a bit thicker and creamier than fresh milk. That's why it's often used to enhance custards, frozen desserts, pie fillings, and rich sauces. If allowed to freeze slightly, evaporated milk can be whipped into a creamy topping.

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Smokin' Macaroni and Cheese

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Smokin' Macaroni and Cheese Tout

Tampering with mac and cheese seems almost un-American. But this rendition shakes things up in a deliciously good way, tossing macaroni with a creamy thick sauce laced with smoked ham, smoked Gouda, evaporated milk and whole milk. On top: buttery crushed cornflakes.

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Beef Fillets With Green Peppercorn Sauce

Beef Fillets With Green Peppercorn Sauce Tout

Evaporated milk stands in for cream to lighten this elegant French sauce that pairs pungent green peppercorns with sweet Marsala wine. If beef tenderloin isn't in the budget, try the sauce drizzled over pan seared chicken breast or pork tenderloin.

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Sweet Potato Casserole

Credit: Randy Mayor; Styling: Melanie J. Clarke

Sweet Potato Casserole Tout

Perfect for potlucks and holiday meals, this easy casserole combines baked sweet potatoes with evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and eggs to make a rich filling that's then crowned with a pecan-streusel topping. Don't like your casseroles too sweet? Cut the topping amount in half.

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Guava-Candied Ginger Gelato

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Guava-Candied Ginger Gelato Tout

Combining three types of milk—evaporated milk, dried milk, and 2% reduced fat milk—helps add creamy richness to this exotic, light gelato. Look for guava paste in the Hispanic foods section of the supermarket, specialty cheese shops, or gourmet groceries. Crystallized ginger can be found on the spice aisle.

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Plum Island Sound Clam Chowder

Plum Island Sound Clam Chowder Tout

This light New England style chowder can be made with fresh or canned clams. Thyme, bacon, red potatoes, two types of milk (evaporated milk and reduced fat 1% milk) and a splash of sherry keep it authentic, but if you like your chowder thick consider making a roux.

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Butterscotch Pie

Credit: Karry Hosford

Butterscotch Pie Tout

If it's authentic butterscotch flavor you're craving, this cool custard pie won't disappoint. The rich tasting filling sports two light milks (evaporated skim milk and reduced fat milk) to help keep calories and fat in check. To save time, use a refrigerated store-bought crust.

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Indian Bread Pudding

Credit: Randy Mayor; Katie Stoddard

Indian Bread Pudding Tout

All the flavors of Bombay are laced into this slightly sweet bread pudding made with evaporated milk, butter, and rose-flower water. A creamy custard sauce made with pistachios and ground cardamom adds a delicate sweet finish.

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