• 5 ideas for… BUTTERMILK

    Date: 2010.04.10 | Category: food, home | Tags:

    Don’t be fooled by its name: The store-bought version of this cultured dairy drink is actually low in fat (only 1 percent milk fat) and deliciously tangy—good reasons to expand its repertoire beyond biscuits to include soups, smoothies. and more. When you do, you’ll also reap the benefits of its natural bacteria, which aid digestion. A quart will keep in the fridge for a couple of weeks—enough time to sample one or more of these recipes. Just remember to shake well before using.

    1. Southwest Tomato Soup- In blender, combine 1 can (14.5 oz.) fire-roasted tomatoes, ½ tsp. salt, ½ tsp. hot pepper sauce, and ‘/4 tsp. ground cumin; blend until smooth. Transfer to medium bowl; stir in 3 c. buttermilk and 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro. Makes 4 c.

    2. Easy Herb Dressing- In small bowl, combine ½ C. buttermilk, ¼ c. light mayonnaise, and 1 Tbsp. each cider vinegar, chopped parsley, and snipped chives. Makes 3/4 c.

    3. Dill-Pepper Grilled Chicken Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken-breast halves (6 oz. ea.) in self-sealing plastic bag; add ¾ c. buttermilk; 2 cloves garlic, crushed with press; ¼ c. chopped fresh dill; ‘/4 tsp. salt; and ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Preheat grill to medium Place chicken on hot grill grate, cover, and cook 10 to 12 minutes or until juices run clear when pierced with knife, turning over once. Discard marinade. Serves 4.

    4. Cornmeal Hotcakes In med. bowl, combine 1 tsp, baking soda, ¼ tsp. salt, and ½ c-each cornmeal and all-purpose flour. Add 1% c. buttermilk and 1 lightly beaten 1g. egg; stir just until combined. Spray 12-in. nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray; heat on medium 1 minute. Add batter by scant ¼ cups; cook hotcakes 3 to 4 minutes, turning over once. Repeat with remaining batter. Serve with maple syrup and sliced strawberries. Makes 14 hotcakes.

    5. Tangy Mango Smoothie- In blender, combine 1 med. ripe mango (12 oz.), cubed; 3/4 c. buttermilk; 4 ice cubes; 1 Tbsp. honey; and pinch ground cardamom (optional); blend until smooth. Makes 1 3/4 c.