The Grocer: Buttermilk
Buttermilk is the name given to a particularly sour cousin of common milk. Originally the term referred to the leftover liquid that was formed after butter was churned from cream, today it is a product especially created with a mixture of low-fat or non-fat milk, with bacteria cultures added to the brew.
While the fermented milk drink can be drunk straight out of the glass (its sour taste is revered), the thickened liquid is typically used in baking recipes. It is known to fashion extra-fluffy pancakes and soft sponge cakes, and can replace milk in most recipes. Buttermilk is also an essential part of creating a classic ranch dressing to rain over salads and sandwiches.
Buttermilk can be difficult to find in typical supermarkets (with usually only one brand and size on offer), but it is stocked at James St Market and Sourced Grocer. If you can’t find it, you will be able to achieve a similar flavour by mixing the same amounts of non-fat milk and Greek yoghurt briskly together.
Try some buttermilk baking with this sumptuous chocolate buttermilk cake.
Image via Mary Quite Contrary Bakes.
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