If you're considering adding another level of preparedness to your plan, you've probably thought about raising goats. (Click HERE for a guide on making the right decisions when purchasing goats.) But once you have your goats, what can you do with the 90 quarts of nutrient-dense, delicious goat milk you get every month? Here are some ideas to make the most of it.
1. Drink It
Goat’s milk is a healthy alternative to cow’s milk. It's rich in nutrients and easier to digest for many people. However, the taste is stronger, so transitioning from cow’s milk to goat’s milk may take some adjustment. You might want to mix goat’s milk with cow’s milk for a while, gradually increasing the ratio of goat’s milk until your family is fully accustomed to the taste.
2. Make Yogurt
Goat milk’s higher fat and protein content make it perfect for making Greek yogurt. You can easily make homemade yogurt using goat’s milk, and it will be richer and creamier than traditional cow’s milk yogurt. Here is a simple recipe to try making your own goat milk yogurt at home.
3. Make Candy
Cajeta is a traditional Mexican caramel candy made with goat milk, but you can also use goat milk in traditional caramel recipes. Simply substitute goat milk for cream or cow’s milk. If you haven’t tried cajeta, it’s especially delicious when drizzled over ice cream!
4. Make Ice Cream
Goat milk makes a fantastic base for ice cream. Whether you’re making traditional flavors or something more exotic, substituting goat milk for cow’s milk will result in a smooth, creamy texture. While you’re at it, make some puddings, milkshakes, or smoothies using goat’s milk for a tasty treat.
5. Make Buttermilk
For any recipe that calls for buttermilk, such as pancakes, waffles, or biscuits, you can easily substitute goat milk buttermilk. To make goat milk buttermilk, simply add 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar to one cup of goat’s milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes. It’s a great way to enhance the flavor of your baked goods.
6. Skin Care
Goat milk is packed with healthy fats and proteins, making it ideal for creating skin care products. You can make your own luxurious soaps, lotions, face washes, and lip balms using goat’s milk. These products are not only great for daily use but can also help with skin issues during emergencies. Goat milk’s nourishing properties can help keep your skin soft and healthy.
Conclusion
Whether you’re using goat milk for everyday life or for emergency preparedness, it’s an incredibly versatile and nutritious resource for your family. From drinking it to making yogurt, ice cream, candy, and even skin care products, there are countless ways to incorporate goat milk into your home. How do you like to use your goat milk? Do you have any tried-and-true recipes? Share them with us!
