Posted in Simple and Frugal Living

Often times when I mention powdered milk, the immediate response of people is a turned up nose or sour puss face. Why? Most commonly, people think of reconstituted powdered milk for drinking purposes, which causes them to not use the product at all. This is unfortunate because powdered milk is an excellent and frugal staple item that every pantry should posess. The use of powdered milk can help a homemaker make items from scratch that they might otherwise buy premade (at HUGE upcharges) for both food consumption or skin care.

If you aren't familiar with Hillbilly Housewife, take a bit of time to visit the site. It is chock full of wonderful ideas for frugal homemaking. It will not disappoint. They have an article regarding powdered milk that is a must read. Included you will find some cost analysis and a neat little paragraph about the actual taste of powdered milk for drinking purposes. I highly recommend it. I am picky about my drinking milk, so I haven't tried drinking reconstituted powdered milk in years.  With prices skyrocketing, I am working up the courage, though. 

Powdered milk can be purchased in small or large quantities in most every grocery and bulk food store.  The cost is so inexpensive, that if you want to try it for the first time, I recommend purchasing a small quantity.  Here are some guides of what to look for in powdered milk that are important to me: nonfat, low heat, no artificial anything, no preservatives added. Storage is easy. If you want to keep some in your pantry and become a regular user, you won't need to worry about longevity, as powdered milk stored in a n air tight container will last about 12-16 months. However, I have read that it can be kept for up to 5 years in the fridge.  WOW!

The most common usage for powdered milk in our house is cooking and baking. Anything that calls for milk, I grab RPM (reconstituted powdered milk). In order to keep the milk fresh and reduce spoilage (and having to throw money down the drain) I use a 2 quart container to hold my RPM.  When I run out, I simply make a new batch. Unlike RPM for drinking, it does not need to be cold when used, so can be used immediately. By using RPM for exclusively for cooking and baking, I am able to save a lot on the cost of regular milk at the grocery.

However, this is not the only usage for RPM.  It can be used in other recipes as well, such as making yogurt, cheese, and ice cream.  If you use a lot of yogurt in your home, you can save a bundle on making your own.  I chalenge you to make a batch and compare the cost to those containers you buy at the grocery.  Whoops!  Grab that chin off the floor.  You had no idea how over priced yogurt was and now you do.  So, call the past the past, and save money by making your own! For any recipe that calls for yogurt, you can use your homemade yogurt, which again results in a savings to your wallet!

Do you enjoy some of those wonderful natural bath and beauty products that are made from milk? Stores and home businesses have been established to market just these types of products. If you have a certain product you enjoy, consider searching out a home recipe. You can make a wonderful skin smooting bath soak froom powdered milk.  This same powdered milk, made into a paste, makes a great skin revitalizer. Add just a bit of water to powdered milk (resulting in a gritty paste) is an excellent exfoliator and smoother for a home manicure treatment. A teaspoon of powdered milk added to a cup of warm water produces and excellent and soothing makeup remover without chemicals or damage to your skin. After a good foot scrub, try soaking your feet in some warm water with powdered milk added to produce a more smooth and soft skin. 

Think that's all there is to powdered milk? Not even close! Mix 1 c warm water, 1 TBSP powdered milk, 1 TBSP vinegar or lemon juice.  PLace in a plastic dish basin. Now place any silver items needing to be cleaned and let sit overnight. Simply rinse and dry for beautiful shiny silver! Got a rash? Make a solution of powdered milk and water (equal parts) and add a bit of salt. This will help relieve itchiness as well as help dry the rash to produce quick healing. Clean patent leather to a high, smudge-free shine with a little RPM. 

I encourage you to check the internet for other uses for powdered milk and recipes including them in bath and beauty products. I think you might be surprised how this inexpensive staple can accomplish so much in your life, without processing and harsh chemicals.  It's simple, frugal, and earth friendly! Be sure to post your uses for powdered milk and/or any questions you might have.

These are my thoughts.

Leslie Valeska

~Contributing Writer~

Please visit me at Journey to Simplicity for more information about frugal living, simplicity, homesteading, food, and homeschooling.