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RECIPE: RUSSIAN BAKED MILK

Recipe: Russian Baked Milk



Russian baked milk, known as ryazhenka, somewhat resembles sweetened condensed milk. The initial slow heat gives the milk a dense, caramelized quality, and a rich creamy color. The caramelized milk is then cultured with buttermilk. Because it is fermented, it can be safely stored at room temperature for up to 40 hours.

 

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 1/2 quarts milk
  • 1/4 cup cultured buttermilk

    Buttermilk Starter


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INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Pour milk into an oven-safe 9x13-inch casserole dish. Bake 4-5 hours until a golden-brown crust forms on top of the milk.
  3. Remove from oven and cool slightly so the crust can be removed. The milk should be a light tan. Continue to cool to 70°-77°F. At this point, the baked milk is very sweet with caramel notes. You can stop here, if you like, and chill for a sweet, rich milk, or continue with the fermentation.
  4. While the milk is cooling, prepare a vessel for fermentation. A Yogotherm, or a similar type of thermos incubator, works well. Pour the baked milk into the vessel and stir in buttermilk.
  5. Cover the container and leave it in a warm place for 10-12 hours or overnight.
  6. Pour the finished ryazhenka into a bottle or pitcher and store in the refrigerator. It will be somewhat thick, much like drinkable yogurt.