Preparing Milk and Buttermilk for a Trail Trip

[@bev111]

I find using a milk frother (it's a battery operated mini blender) works well to reconstitute freeze dried dairy products

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks for the tip!

[@MaryWehmeier]

Neat idea.

[@BostonBorn]

I use mine to mix my grandson’s formula…works like a charm.

[@lynsmith2698]

Great idea, I will try thst

[@debwiley3914]

When I reconstitute dried products, I typically use warm water vs. cold. It tends to make the lumps dissipate quickly.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you.

[@kimmididwhat]

Hi Pam, If you use a “Blender Bottle” They have a shaker metal ball in them -Used for protein shakes) to mix the whole milk, it rehydrates much better. I’ve been using one with my fddd milk since 2016 when my son told me to try his blender bottle. You can but at Walmart, target, Amazon etc. Hope this helps and I Live your new channel!!! 😃💕

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks for the tip! That is good to kow.

[@yerneedsry]

I bought one on amazon per your idea, 9.99

[@mcaputto]

Great tip!

[@pattf1002]

Pam - I put my freeze-dries milk into half-pint, pints and quarts, so all I have to do is add the water to the neck ring and then my milk is even pre-measured. Love the new camping channel.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing.

[@judypatterson4132]

after almost a year, wanting a freeze dryer, I finally bit the bullet and orderd one on saturday. I'm so excited and can' wait until it arrives. i have been planning out what I want to do first and of course, milk and eggs are on the top of my list. thank you so much for the video.

[@trailgrazers3690]

WooHoo! Congratulations. I hope you will love using it as much as we do.

[@pnenegal2982]

Hi Judy! What kind of freeze drier did you get? I’m confused between freeze dryer Vs. Dehydrator? When I search on the internet freeze dryer, I always get dehydrators 😞

[@judypatterson4132]

@@pnenegal2982 I ordered a Harvest Right freeze dryer from a store in my hometown that has started carring them. you can do a search for harvest right freeze dryer .

[@JoanWakefield]

​@judypatterson4132 because of all the problems and warehouse broken harvest right freeze dryers, chose blue alpine freeze dryer. Works great and because I am just starting all my questions are answered by email in 24 hours. Phone question answered quickly. No wait, no transferred to someone else

[@Thisisit120]

Freeze dried raw milk turns out just as wonderful.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Good to know! Thank you.

[@marjoriedanley6131]

I have GOT to get a freeze dryer. This video has sealed the deal. I enjoyed watching the steps you took with the milks. Good job!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks so much. We really enjoy our freeze dryer.

[@marjoriedanley6131]

@@trailgrazers3690 👍

[@robingirven4570]

If you get the test stackers or tray lids, it’s so much easier. 😊

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks.

[@carolynmoody9460]

BLESSINGS 💞

[@pnenegal2982]

❤️😊

[@debbibajek]

Just bought a Weston vacuum sealer and the jar attachment based on your recommendation. Hopefully I will have as much luck with mine as you have had with yours. Someday maybe a freeze drier. So expensive. Trying to become as prepared as I can while working two jobs and taking care of my home and family. Always so busy, just like you. Thanks for all your tips and tricks

[@trailgrazers3690]

Wow--you are busy, but good for you for including preparedness in your busy schedule. I hope you like the Weston as much as we like ours.

[@hjkroeger1]

Really enjoyed your video. I always scrap my items that powder like mild or eggs onto a mat or parchment paper. It is so slick. I just fold it up and it dumps right it. Have a great day.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great idea. Thanks.

[@cynthiahumphrey1718]

Pam I just adore the two of you and Cindy too. I’m in the medical field so I too really am a scientist at heart. Im on the East coast (Product of UNC and Duke). I just retired from my medical practice and I got a freeze dryer! I’m keeping it busy with my garden produce and I’m also trying to clean out my freezers. Your videos have been a blessing because there is a learning curve with freeze drying. I’ve been canning and dehydrating for 40 years so somethings are familiar but some things are not. Best of luck with this new channel! I can’t wait to see what you guys come up with. This will be fun.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Congratulations on your retirement and way to go on getting into freeze drying. We really like having that option as well.

[@kayeredwine9685]

Pam, this is great news about your Trail Grazier’s channel! I binge watch your RoseRed Homestead videos! I have ordered a Harvest Right Freeze dryer at last! I have wanted one for a very long time. I am told to not expect delivery until the first of August. I will be watching everything you post! Thank you for all you do to help educate, encourage and entertain us!

[@trailgrazers3690]

That is awesome! Congratulations on your upcoming freeze dryer!

[@momskelton5794]

Warm water helps dissolve whole milk !

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes, it does!

[@marianeudorf7524]

🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️

[@terridiamond7862]

Never been on a four wheeler. Water skied & hiking.

[@trailgrazers3690]

I could never get up on water skis, sadly. But love hiking, identifying plants along the way, and riding our 4-wheelers.

[@bernadettestykel7504]

I usually dump trays out on parchment or wax paper and then fold and dump into far.🎃

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks for sharing.

[@suseyq4559]

My husband and I are in very similar circumstances as the two of you. We were both health care professionals, he a chemist turned Pharmacist. I’m a retired RN with a long standing canning tradition, which has never ended. We travel using a travel trailer, travel using other methods, like cruising and get on with our happy times! I also bring along our food when camping. As always, I watch you and continue to learn. Last year we took our grandson to Bryce Canyon…a lovely place. I will experiment at times but do fall back to old standards! Hope we pass you on the trail, take care and keep up what you and Jim do so vervet we’ll. You show the way to keep your families safe. Your viewers will follow. Should we pass you along our trails, don’t be a stranger. We feel your new channel will be a success. Thank you Pam and Jim.

[@trailgrazers3690]

You are welcome! And I hope we pass on the trail as well. We are heading up to Bryce in August before school starts again for me. Can't wait to get out of this heat!

[@garliclovers1416]

I had to look up what buttermilk is. We don't seem to have it in Australia. Now I know the fluid in the yogurt is buttermilk. Thanks for showing how to make powdered milk. I grew up on it. Always bought in a tin though. Really interesting video.

[@trailgrazers3690]

So glad you found it interesting.

[@glendaquick9290]

Enjoyed your new channel and milk/buttermilk freeze drying.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@kimjohnson7133]

Happy to see this channel with your food and travel!

[@trailgrazers3690]

More to come! Thanks.

[@rhondagillespie6031]

Very good video!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you.

[@gladtidings4all]

When I vacuum seal dry powder in mason jars, I put a dry coffee filter in the top inch headspace and then the adapter and lid vacuum seal it. When I vacuum seal flour, I use a flat wood mallet and tamper it down packed tight. Then put a coffee filter and the lid adapter vacuum seal it.

[@trailgrazers3690]

I do that as well when needed. My sealer doesn't seem to suck up powders, amazingly, so I have had to use a filter with it.

[@feedingit]

Wow…the freeze dried milk is so neat!

[@trailgrazers3690]

It really is! It works so well. Thanks.

[@boatchild1]

Maybe for the trail shaking the milk in a canning jar could act like a blender. Also room temp/warm water works better for me too then i chill it for a lit bit after if i have the option.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks for the tip.

[@ChieftuckabuckawaysWife]

Brilliant!!! I see the difference between pressing pre-frozen and frozen. The feathering effect v the block result. The milks went straight to a semi powered state almost immediately. Perfect!! What an incredible lesson!!! Thank you so much 💓 💗

[@trailgrazers3690]

You are very welcome. So glad the information was useful.

[@snarky_farmer]

My freeze dryer just arrived yesterday. Extremely excited to get started with it! These videos are invaluable to me.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Fantastic! So excited for you to get started on freeze drying!

[@patriciasweet9102]

Wow that is beautiful flakes of milk. Ms. Pam do you ever put a cupcake liker in top of the jar before you vacuum seal the jars?I think it helps keep the powder from being suck into our vacuum sealer.

[@trailgrazers3690]

I have used a coffee filter before. I only have silicon cupcake liners and those wouldn't work! LOL!

[@theoldguy9329]

I do freeze dry but my HR is older than yours -- and I don't have a freezer at the moment. If you buy commercial skim milk powder it is called "instant". The whole milk powder is not instant, and at least my packaging says leave it overnight in the refrigerator. The milk I FD is mostly for recipes or, for longer term, for the grandkids. If you use mylar (no point if you are making mixes) the milk powders itself quickly. I find FD milk here tends to make small, flat crystals that are almost like a powder already.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes, I agree. Thanks.

[@djnana1156]

I am loving your new channel! We go camping a lot. I go 4 wheeling when I can but it's hard on my hands.

[@trailgrazers3690]

I get that--with your hands. Me too! Thanks for checking out our new channel.

[@lyndabuchholz1216]

I had that problem with my milk too. I found a bottle that had a ball in it that looks like a whisk and I used that to rehydrate.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great idea! Thanks.

[@LivingMiracleHomestead]

I think I would powder them so they disperse evenly. I think the fats will take too long in rehydrating. I love all the experiments that you show us. Gives me the knowledge to apply when I get my freeze dryer.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you for your comment and for visiting our new channel.

[@Thisisit120]

Pam after you scooped up a little bit of the milk and put in the jar if you put your jar on the tray the powdered milk falls back on the tray and then you don’t waste it on the counter.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great idea! Thanks.

[@maxibake9323]

Fascinating. I would have definitely gotten those 2 Jars muddled up. Lol. You could take one of those little mini handheld milk Whisks on trips, to get the lumps out. TFS TG, & take care too everyone. ❤🙂🐶

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great idea. thanks.

[@maxibake9323]

@@trailgrazers3690 👍🤗❤🙂🐶

[@smarttraveler8232]

Love your channel. I would put the powder onto a piece of waxed paper and then curl it around to dump into the jar.

[@trailgrazers3690]

That would certainly work. Thanks.

[@job955]

A little hand frother (similar to those used at fancy coffee shops) helps a lot when blending milk. They are inexpensive and found on Amazon. I'm so excited about your new channel. My husband and I are both in our 70's, and, are also thinking exchanging our big rig for something much simpler and smaller. I love your Red Rose Homestead channel, and, look forward to some of the things you guys come up with on your new channel. May God Bless you both.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you so much. We appreciate your comments.

[@job955]

Oops I forgot to add that I also have 2 sets of pans for my freeze dryer, and, can sometimes get things confused. I have marked the outside of each pan with a number (or letter). If I think I might get the contents mixed-up, I write a note to self such as trays 1 & 2 are buttermilk, and, 3 & 4 are whole milk. No more confusion with contents.

[@rubymcgilvra1771]

I have found when reconstituting powdered milk if I use hot water it reconstitutes better. Then put it in the fridge to cool

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great tip! Thanks.

[@lynsmith2698]

This is great, I would love a freeze dryer but in Canada they are over 5000.00. So it will have to wait. Anyways even the whole milk powder I buy takes a while to dissolve but I only use it for baking or cooking so it doesn’t bother me at all. I am excited for you guys and your trip. Cheers 🇨🇦🌷

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you. Wow--$5K! That is pretty much what I use milk powder for as well.

[@LalaDee6251]

Him Pam, do you have any idea what the shelflife might be for the freeze dried whole milk that’s been powdered and I wonder once it’s rehydrated how it taste if you want to drink some someone in my family is a big milk drinker by the glass so just curious if you know or anybody else knows could you please let me know thank you so much, congratulations with Trail grazers all the luck in the world, I’ll be following you and Jim.

[@vikkisoderquist6013]

I love both your channels. You guys are just a whole lot of fun and so energetic! Tfs, please stay safe and sending hugs to you both! 😎💜

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you! You too!

[@sheilam4964]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@wilmahughes8436]

Hi Pam and Jim. Great video. Thank you. Where did you get the great scoop.

[@trailgrazers3690]

You can find it on our Amazon store. Go to our website and click on the link in the top menu. www.roseredhomestead.com

[@life_is_good2371]

When I reconstitute milk I use a Mason jar with a lid and shake it and let it sit for a few minutes. Works great.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great tip! I will try that. Thanks.

[@jago4673]

Wondering what buttermilk powder weight was post freeze dry.

[@JClement63]

I am loving your new channel! Do you recommend adding a moisture absorber to any of your "bank" storage jars? Thanks for all you and Jim do to share your tips and tricks with us!

[@trailgrazers3690]

We don't need to because we live in the desert and it is very dry. But if you live in a humid climate, you could certainly drop one in your jars to be safe.

[@takishasallbeautyzone]

I love the idea of a freeze dryer. I've always wondered why the USDA doesn't allow for canning dairy, but we can buy shelf stable canned milk and cheese products. You may have addressed this already, but I can't remember. I recall having the same issue with reconstituting whole milk powder when my duaghter was a toddler and we went on vacation. I couldn't risk the possibility of not getting whole milk for her. She was a preemie and always struggled to stay on the growth chart. I nursed for a year, and she easily transitioned to whole milk as a toddler. However, she had to have whole milk and it needed to be warm (such a toddler diva 😄). I purchased some for a vacation. And thought, there's no way she's going to drink this. But when it was warmed, she took it happily.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks for sharing.

[@pnenegal2982]

Hello Rosered! Do you have a link to freeze dryers? When I search for freeze dryers on the web, I get dehydrator machines 😞

[@trailgrazers3690]

Here is the link: harvestright.com/

[@pnenegal2982]

Thank you so much!

[@pnenegal2982]

@@trailgrazers3690 ❤️😞

[@SoNowWhatQB]

I’ve had my freeze dryer for just over a year. I always pre freeze and always choose the pre-frozen cycle and I’ve never had a problem. However, I always add time after the final dry cycle. Perhaps this is why I’ve never had any problems.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Sounds great!

[@marygallagher3428]

I wonder if the freeze-dried whole milk would have reconstituted better in hot water?

[@trailgrazers3690]

I think it would have. That is how I will do it from now on.

[@nnicole9435]

Can you provide a chart that shows powder to liquid values? For example how much of the powder milk do you need to equal one cup if you’re going to put the powdered milk in the dry mix of a recipe that calls for 1 cup of milk?

[@trailgrazers3690]

It is not an exact science, but I use about 3 tablespoons of powder to a cup of water. Then I taste it and adjust as necessary.

[@cindypalmatier5962]

How do you use powdered milk in recipes? Do you have to add water to the recipe too? Can you do a video on these kinds of recipes?

[@trailgrazers3690]

Cindy--that is a great idea. Thanks. Sometimes I add the powder with the dry ingredients and then add the water with the wet ingredients. Other times I mix up the mild first and then add it. It sort of depends on the recipe.

[@lindaburris1968]

You used hot water to blend your cream cheese so would that not work better in the whole milk?

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes, it works on all dairy--yogurt and sour cream as well.

[@MrandMrsBurns]

How do you clean your FDr?

[@trailgrazers3690]

I pull the shelving unit out an wipe it down with a wet cloth. Very easy.

[@JandS1503]

I wonder in watching you with these higher fats..... Would they last long term in jars o2 or moisture pack...in the freezer?

[@JandS1503]

Then if we have no power... your short term would start when the power turns off?

[@trailgrazers3690]

That is certainly a possibility. I have no room in my freezer, but if you do, give it a try!

[@woodsie5796]

Loving your new channel! wish I could afford a freeze dryer, but not in the cards at all. I do have a dehydrator, and wondering if I can use it for milk/buttermilk. What are your thoughts on this? Blessings to all 🥰

[@trailgrazers3690]

I wish I could say yes, but dairy products are not recommended for freeze drying. You can purchase them in #10 cans, if that helps.

[@sharonk5102]

No, You cannot dehydrate milk or buttermilk. It is not safe.

[@lamgardn3800]

What is your "bench scraper scoop thingy" actually called? I'd like to get one.

[@trailgrazers3690]

I have that listed on our Amazon store on our RoseRed Homestead channel--here is the link: Link to our Amazon stores where equipment we show on Trail Grazers is listed here: roseredhomestead.com/amazon-trail-grazers and equipment shown on RoseRed Homestead is listed here: roseredhomestead.com/amazon-rosered

[@lamgardn3800]

@@trailgrazers3690 what I'm referring to isn't in the store. It's like a bench scraper but it has sides like a scoop.

[@Dezbie]

Pam, just wanted you to know the Amazon links do not work.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks, Debbi. We have checked and double checked them with every device we have an they are working OK on our end. I am not sure what might be happening on your end.

[@juliewilliamsnewzealand818]

I have the same problem as you. It comes up with the titles etc but no products at all. Did you manage to suss it out?

[@Dezbie]

@@juliewilliamsnewzealand818 No, I've not been able to get pics of items. Don't know what the problem is because I shop on Amazon ALL the time without any problem.

[@cindypalmatier5962]

I like your spachela.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you.

[@nerualrose]

I have a question! If you freeze dried ice cream how do you make it creamy again? Thanks for another awesome video.

[@trailgrazers3690]

It does not rehydrate so we eat it dry and it is fantastic! Same taste, but very different in texture and temperature, of course!

[@daydreambeliever6603]

Pam if you run kelvin as if the product isn’t frozen, why freeze it ahead?

[@trailgrazers3690]

Finished texture is one thing. Also it saves time. It takes 30 minutes of run time to get Kelvin down to 32° to start a frozen batch and with the not frozen option, the processing time starts right when you put the food in.

[@debbiebrugman4543]

Can you freeze dry almond milk?

[@trailgrazers3690]

I have never done it, but I imagine it would work. You might try one tray in a batch when doing similar foods just to see.

[@debbiebrugman4543]

I have yet to purchase a freeze dryer. It is a great expense for my budget. I need to know before purchasing if certain foods are freeze dryable for my daughter’s special puréed dietary needs. Thank you.

[@marthaalward3740]

Debbie if you go to Retired at forty, he has done a large variety of foods in his freeze dryer. That channel may answer some of your questions.

[@lynntomk]

What kind of electric bill do you have using the freeze dryer?

[@trailgrazers3690]

It is about $2 per batch more or less.

[@MsCharleene]

Hi Pam, I’m a little confused. When I freeze dry vegetables and pack them into my ball jars I’ve always used an oxygen absorber in every jar. I noticed you didn’t include oxygen absorbers in your jars of powdered milks. I must be doing this all wrong. Can you tell me when I should use the oxygen absorbers packets? I appreciate all your helpful tips and videos so much. 🌹

[@trailgrazers3690]

Go easy on yourself!!! There is often more than one way to do things that gets the same results! I vacuum seal most dry foods that I put in jars, so I don't need an oxygen absorber. Either one works and they both do essentially the same thing. The only time I do both is with my powdered eggs.

[@lindalevrio3319]

I do both..but I also store for longer term storage..for 10 cents an O2 it doesn't hurt..

[@daydreambeliever6603]

Do you think the milk fat has turned into butter in the whole milk version?

[@trailgrazers3690]

I don't think so, but that is something I am going to check out! Thank you!

[@danak9245]

What software version are you running?

[@trailgrazers3690]

On the freeze dryer? 5.0.10. I have not installed the new version that just came out but plan to do that later today.

[@danak9245]

@@trailgrazers3690 a few are having issues with new update and have gone back to 16.

[@nitababcock3977]

The whole milk looks like powdered milk

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes it does.