How do you thicken milk when substituting it for half and half?

To make a milk substitution that resembles the rich thickness of half and half, the best approach is to use cornstarch as a thickening agent. Here are the steps on how to thicken milk with cornstarch to simulate the texture of half and half:

Ingredients:

- 1 cup of whole milk

- 1 tablespoon cornstarch

- Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Whisk the Cornstarch and Milk:

In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and about 2 tablespoons of the whole milk. Whisk until smooth and free of any lumps.

2. Heat the Remaining Milk:

In a saucepan, heat the remaining whole milk over medium-low heat. Bring it close to a simmer, but do not let it come to a full boil.

3. Add the Cornstarch Mixture:

Once the milk in the saucepan is hot but not boiling, gradually whisk in the cornstarch mixture. Keep stirring constantly to prevent clumping.

4. Cook Until Thickened:

Continue cooking and stirring until the milk thickens and reaches a consistency similar to half and half. This should take about 1 to 2 minutes.

5. Season (Optional):

If desired, you can add a small pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the milk.

Important Notes:

- The amount of cornstarch you need may vary depending on your desired thickness and the quality of your cornstarch. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust as necessary.

- Be sure to stir the milk continuously to prevent scorching and to ensure an even distribution of the cornstarch.

With this simple technique, you can easily create a milk substitute that has a similar consistency and richness to half and half, making it ideal for recipes that require a thicker and creamier milk base.