Something about buttermilk brings to mind good old-fashioned home cooking. Biscuits (May 14 is National Buttermilk Biscuit Day) are probably number one on everyone's list, but buttermilk has many different applications in the kitchen - not only in recipes but it is also important to the science of cooking. Many folks labor under the misconception that buttermilk is basically a buttery, high-fat milk.

This could not be farther from the truth.

Buttermilk History

In days gone by, nothing went to waste in the standard homestead, and this included the liquid leftover after churning butter. Combined with natural airborne bacteria, this liquid thickened and soured, taking on a pleasingly tangy flavor. The resulting buttermilk made an excellent addition to biscuits, pancakes, and baked goods.

More about Buttermilk and Buttermilk Recipes:

• What is buttermilk? Does it contain butter? FAQ
• Buttermilk Cooking Tips and Hints
• Buttermilk Storage
• Buttermilk Substitutions, Measures, and Equivalents
• Buttermilk History
• Buttermilk Lore and Legends
• Buttermilk Health Benefits
• Buttermilk Recipes
_{Buttermilk Photo © 2009 Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, licensed to About.com, Inc.}
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