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In the realm of home cooking, versatility is key, and that’s where the Cream of Anything Soup Base truly shines. This ingenious recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to simplify their kitchen routine while maintaining a healthy and delicious diet. I’m particularly excited to introduce this recipe to you; not only is it ideal for those moments when you need a quick meal solution on a hectic weeknight, but it also is an amazing recipe you can make with your freeze dried milk. 

What sets this soup base apart is its use of freeze dried milk, a staple that transforms the base into a creamy, comforting delight with a fraction of the fat and sodium found in traditional cream bases. This multi-purpose base is both nutritious and adaptable to almost any flavor profile. Whether you’re craving a classic cream of mushroom, chicken, celery, or cheese, this base can do it all.

In this post, I’ll guide you through the simple steps to create this Cream of Anything Soup Base, along with tips on how to customize it to suit your palate. Embrace the power of freeze dried ingredients and discover how this soup base can become a cornerstone in your recipes.

Why Freeze Dried Milk is Essential in Your Pantry

As an advocate for smart and efficient food preservation, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of having freeze dried milk in your pantry staples. Here’s why this unassuming ingredient deserves a place in every well-stocked kitchen.

Long Shelf Life

Freeze dried milk can last for years without refrigeration, making it a reliable staple. Unlike fresh milk, which spoils quickly, freeze dried milk remains usable for extended periods, ensuring you always have milk on hand.

Cost Effective

While the upfront cost might be higher than fresh milk, freeze dried milk’s longevity means you waste less and save more in the long run. You’re not pouring money down the drain with spoiled milk. Instead, you have a product that’s ready when you need it, reducing the frequency of grocery trips for fresh milk.

Space Saving

Freeze dried milk is compact and lightweight, taking up minimal space in your pantry. This is especially beneficial for those with limited storage space. It’s also perfect for camping, traveling, or emergency kits, where space and weight are at a premium.

Versatility in Cooking

Freeze dried milk can be used in any recipe that calls for milk. From baking cakes to making sauces and soups, it performs just as well as its liquid counterpart. This versatility makes it an indispensable ingredient for a wide range of culinary applications.

Nutritionally Sound

Freeze drying preserves the nutritional value of milk. This process maintains essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, ensuring that you’re not sacrificing health benefits for convenience and shelf life.

Emergency Preparedness

In times of emergency, when power outages or natural disasters can disrupt food supply chains, having freeze dried milk can be a lifesaver. It ensures that you have access to vital nutrients even in challenging situations.

Ease of Use

Reconstituting freeze dried milk is simple and quick – just add water and you have fresh milk. But freeze dried milk can be used is so many more ways.

Freeze dried milk stands as a cornerstone ingredient in the versatile world of dairy products, offering an incredible range of culinary possibilities. With just this one base ingredient, you can create an array of dairy essentials. 

By simply adjusting the water content and adding a few additional ingredients, you can transform freeze dried milk into condensed milk and evaporated milk, both of which are staples for numerous dessert recipes. 

Moreover, by introducing cultures or acids, you can easily whip up homemade buttermilk, an essential for baking, or even venture into making your own cream cheese and sour cream, perfect for dips, spreads, and baking. 

The potential of freeze dried milk in your pantry extends far beyond a mere substitute for fresh milk; it’s a gateway to a world of dairy products, each adding its unique flavor and texture to your recipes.

How to Freeze Dry Milk at Home

Be sure to check out our recent article on How to Freeze Dry Milk at Home.In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the step-by-step process of freeze drying milk, ensuring you can create this versatile pantry staple right in your own kitchen. This article is packed with valuable tips and insights to help you successfully preserve milk, saving you time and money while enhancing your food preparation options. Click through to learn more and start transforming the way you use dairy in your everyday cooking and emergency preparedness.

How to Make the Cream of Anything Soup Base

Cream of Anything Soup Base, made with freeze-dried milk. This recipe isn’t just a boon for emergencies; it’s also a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Plus, it’s lower in sodium and fat compared to store-bought alternatives!

The beauty of the “Cream of Anything” soup base is its adaptability. You can add virtually any vegetable, meat, or seasoning to create a variety of soups. Think cream of mushroom, chicken, broccoli, or even cheese. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

• 2 cups freeze-dried milk powder
• ¾ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup chicken or vegetable bouillon powder (low sodium)
• 2 tbsp dried onion flakes
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the freeze-dried milk powder, cornstarch, bouillon powder, onion flakes, basil, thyme, and black pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.

Store: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container. It can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

Notes: 

• Put the mixture in a food processor to grind into a fine powder if you prefer
• For recipes where you need a can of soup, Mix 1 cup of warm water with  ⅓ cup dry mix. Cook over low heat until it thickens, stirring constantly.
• If you want a specific kind of cream of something soup, add ½ cup of the desired ingredient. These are my favorites:

— diced mushrooms

–chopped broccoli

–½ cup diced celery

–½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

–½ cup cooked, shredded chicken

Creative Recipes with Cream of Anything Soup Base

Classic Cream Soups

Cream of Mushroom: Sauté fresh or freeze dried mushrooms, garlic, and a bit of butter, then mix in the prepared soup base for a rich and earthy cream of mushroom soup.

Cream of Chicken: Add cooked, diced chicken, some carrots, and celery to the base for a comforting cream of chicken soup.

Broccoli Cheddar: Combine the base with steamed broccoli and shredded cheddar cheese for a classic broccoli cheese soup.

Casserole Filler

Use the base as a healthier, low-sodium substitute for canned cream soups in casseroles. It works great in recipes like tuna noodle casserole or a classic green bean casserole.

Sauce for Vegetables or Pasta

Drizzle it over steamed vegetables or mix it with pasta for a quick and creamy sauce. You can add cheese, herbs, or spices to tailor it to your taste.

Pot Pie Filling

Thicken the soup base and mix in a combination of cooked chicken, peas, carrots, and onions. Encase it in pastry for a delicious homemade pot pie.

Creamy Rice Dishes

Stir the base into cooked rice along with vegetables, cheese, and your choice of protein for a creamy risotto-like dish.

Baked Potato Topping

Use it as a flavorful, creamy topping for baked potatoes. Add bacon bits, chives, and cheese for extra flavor.

Base for Chowders

Transform it into a chowder by adding corn and potatoes for a corn chowder, or clams for a clam chowder.

Curry Foundation

Mix in curry spices and add vegetables or protein for an Indian-inspired curry dish.

Stroganoff Base

Use the soup base in beef stroganoff, replacing traditional sour cream for a lighter version.

Breakfast Gravy

Add sausage and extra pepper to make a delicious grave to serve over biscuits.

Seafood Cream Sauce

Add sauteed shrimp or scallops to the base for a luxurious seafood cream sauce, perfect over pasta or rice.

Conclusion

Incorporating freeze dried milk into your pantry is a wise decision for anyone looking to save time, money, and reduce food waste, all while ensuring nutritional needs are met. Its shelf stability, convenience, and versatility make it a must-have in your freeze dried pantry staples. Whether you’re a busy parent, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone preparing for emergencies, freeze-dried milk is an invaluable resource.

Freeze dried milk can be used in any recipe that calls for milk. From baking cakes to making sauces and soups, it performs just as well as its liquid counterpart. This versatility makes it an indispensable ingredient for a wide range of culinary applications. With freeze dried milk, you can create an array of dairy essentials. By simply adjusting the water content and adding a few additional ingredients, you can transform freeze dried milk into a plethora of dairy products.

The Cream of Anything Soup Base is not just a soup; it’s a canvas for your culinary creativity. From hearty casseroles to delicate sauces, this versatile base opens up a world of possibilities for delicious, home-cooked meals. It’s the perfect blend of convenience, health, and taste!