What is the secret ingredient in savory pastries, muffins and other baked goods? Buttermilk, which lends a rich, hearty flavor with fewer calories than whole milk or cream.
Organic buttermilk, produced without using pesticides, synthetic hormones or antibiotics, is not only wonderful for baking, it is great as a base for soups and salad dressings or as a marinade. It also is often used to coat poultry and fish before frying or baking.
Many enjoy drinking this versatile dairy product by itself; it pairs well with sweet fruits and desserts.
Autumn Brennan, Organic Valley’s food aficionado, provides the following holiday recipe for buttermilk gingerbread. The spicy, rich taste of old-fashioned gingerbread is at the heart of many holiday celebrations, she says.
BUTTERMILK GINGERBREAD
(Makes 16 servings)
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup molasses
1/3 cup raw sugar
1/2 cup Organic Valley unsalted cultured...