Culinary Poll #007: "Cow Juice"

[Daniel Rogov]

Both the "common knowledge" and a good deal of medically sound research show that although milk is a major requirement for children and youths, cow's milk is extremely difficult to digest for adult humans. In fact, because it so difficult to digest, cow's milk may actually be harmful to us. Despite that, American adults continue to consume milk at an extraordinary pace, in fact Americans consuming more milk than all of the adults in the rest of the world combined.

We are not talking about milk as used to cook or make sauces, nor in ice cream, nor in dairy products such as cheese. What we are talking about is taking milk by the large glassful – with breakfast, with snacks, with lunch and sometimes even with and after dinner.

What about us. How often do we drink cow's milk? And if you do drink it, how do you like it (warm, hot, chilled, ice-cold,) and when do you like it? Any dishes with which a glass of milk especially beckons?

Oh yes…..and any thought about the milk of goats, sheep, camels or other mammals?

[Carl Eppig]

I put whole milk in my cereal every morning, and chocolate milk in my coffee. Use milk in several recipes, but never drink a glass.

[Jenise]

A bunch of guys on Johnny Carson's late night show were talking about who the bravest man ever might be. Names like Abraham Lincoln and John Glenn were thrown out. Then comedian David Brenner said, "I think it was the first guy who said, see that cow? I'm going to reach under there and pull on those things, and whatever comes out I'm going to drink it."

Couldn't agree more. Decided I didn't like milk anymore when I was about 4 years old and haven't touched it since.

[Robert Reynolds]

I rarely drink milk straight anymore, but when I do, I want it ice-cold.

[Bob Hower]

Modern milk has been ruined by pasteurization, homogenization, and other factory farm practices. I am very suspicious of anything available in a supermarket called milk and I think a lot of the problems some people have with milk - allergies and the like - are a result of modern milk processing rather than something inherent with cow's milk. I am fortunate to be able to get whole raw milk from grass fed cows. It comes from a Mennonite farmer near me. Because it is illegal to sell raw milk in KY where I live for human consumption, it is sold "for pet use only." A tall glass of cold raw milk on a hot day is a truly wonderful thing, though,mostly I make it into kefir and yogurt and drink it that way. Kefir and yogurt take all the good nutrition of milk and add the benefits of "probiotic mico-organisms" you get from culturing it. If you count this, I drink about 2 glasses of milk a day.

[Jo Ann Henderson]

About a tablespoonful of whole milk in my cup of tea every morning. About 1/2 c in a bowl of cereal about 3x year.

[Daniel Rogov]

I voted for occasionally but if the truth be told there are times when I absolutely lust after a large glass of ice-cold milk. Milk, like butter, in Israel leaves much to be desired, so I most indulge myself when visiting wine country in Tuscany and Burgundy, in Normandy or in parts of the USA where I can find fresh milk. Doesn't bother me if the milk has been pasteurized but I do try to avoid that stuff to which vitamins, preservatives and other additives are rampant.

Best
Rogov

[Shel T]

Never drink milk from any animal, have virtually no recs that require it, excluding sweetened condensed, and will very occasionally drink a little cold buttermilk.

[Robin Garr]

Milk and dairy products are fine in recipes, and even in one's morning espresso drink.

But a glass of cold milk? That's for children, isn't it?

[Matilda L]

I don't drink milk on its own, ever. Don't like the taste. I very occasionally drink a glass of iced coffee or iced chocolate at a cafe, but would never be bothered to make these at home. The largest part of my milk consumption comes from coffee with steamed milk at coffee shops. At home, I use soy milk in drinks, on cereal, because I prefer the taste.

Matilda

[Patti L]

I drink at least one, usually two, glasses of milk a day. I miss the Minnesota State Fair, where they had ice cold milk in machines that created foam on top, like old fashioned diners.

[ChefJCarey]

I like milk.

[Carrie L.]

It's very rare, but every once in awhile I will get an actual craving for a tall, very cold glass of milk. Otherwise, I only have it in my cereal. We keep skim milk on hand at all times.

[Ben Kfir]

I never drink milk. It make me sick.

My mother told me that I never liked it even as baby.

On the other hand I like all kind of cheese.

Ben

[Shlomo R]

I don't drink milk, as I am not fond of the effect it has on my sinuses.

[Leanne S]

ONLY if there's chocolate cake involved.
Here in California they put extra milk solids in, which makes it oddly sweet.
Actually I drank more milk in Israel a long time ago: chocolate milk in plastic bags-- you chew off one corner than suck on it-- we called it "the breast."
Also as a volunteers in the refet (cowshed) we'd turn off the stirring tank, wait until some cream rose to the top, and siphon it off, drinking it on the spot. Maybe that's causing Daniel's problem with milk in Israel?

[Ryan M]

1 - 3 glasses daily. In my mind, the most fundamental beverage next to water.

[Menachem S]

Nothing like Milk and chocolate chip cookies, or Milk with rich, delicious cheese cake.

Not a glass on it's own, but to cut the richness of some awesome, simple deserts.

[Z Spigelman]

I used to drink at least 1 glass a day when I lived in N.Y.
Since moving to Israel 18 years ago, I drink milk occasionally but nothing under 3%.
I agree with Menachem - great with c.c cookies, cheese cake and especially a rich chocolate cake with a creamy chocolate frosting.

[Stuart Yaniger]

Milk and dairy products are fine in recipes, and even in one's morning espresso drink.

But a glass of cold milk? That's for children, isn't it?

Bingo. Except for the espresso thing- that's a travesty.

[Robin Garr]

Bingo. Except for the espresso thing- that's a travesty.

Nuthin' the matter with a latte or cappuccino. Only in the morning, of course, and assuming that one is not lactose-intolerant.

[Daniel Rogov]

Robin, Hi...

With all due respect to you and another 50,000,000 or so people who add milk to espresso, the furthest I'll go is a macchiato. I agree with the Italians......as I don't add sugar to my wine, neither do I add millk to my coffee.

As you get to know me better you will realize that I have somewhat of an aversion to the use of smilies. If I did not, however, this post would be accompanied by one or more.

Best
Rogov

[Stuart Yaniger]

Nuthin' the matter with a latte or cappuccino.

Yes there is. Ewwww. Ruin good coffee like that; you should be ashamed.

[Charlie Dawg]

As a child I wouold drink a glass of milk before going to bed every night, I liked it too, even loved it. Nowadays it is more of a habit. Thogh I still love the taste of milk, especially with a chocolate candy. Can drink a lot of it. Of course as mention abpve it is not that good for my stomach. I pay dearly when I drink a lot of it, but just can't stop my self. Because I keep Kosher and cannot mix meat and milk, sometimes I'd stay till 2 in the morning waiting for that time when I could have a glass of milk and then go to sleep. I know it's crazy.